PEMX vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. PEMX is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PEMX returned 34.40%/yr vs 23.19%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PEMX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

PEMX vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEMX achieves a 38.90% return, which is significantly higher than IEMG's 24.98% return.

PEMX

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 7.45%
• YTD: 38.90%
• 6M: 44.55%
• 1Y: 72.01%
• 3Y*: 34.40%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 24.98%
• 6M: 27.43%
• 1Y: 49.24%
• 3Y*: 23.19%
• 5Y*: 7.36%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PEMX vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	38.90%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	24.98%	32.56%	6.50%	7.65%

Correlation

The correlation between PEMX and IEMG is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2023	0.85

The correlation between PEMX and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

PEMX vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PEMX	IEMG
Technology	45.0%	35.0%
Financial Services	24.4%	18.4%
Industrials	8.6%	9.0%
Communication Services	6.6%	6.4%
Utilities	4.5%	2.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	9.5%
Basic Materials	2.8%	6.9%
Healthcare	1.9%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.7%
Energy	-	3.8%

Return for Risk

PEMX vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 90
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 77
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PEMX vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	PEMX	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.36	2.55	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	3.34	+0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.47	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.01	3.74	+1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.75	14.39	+5.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PEMX vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEMX Sharpe Ratio is 3.36, which is higher than the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEMX and IEMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PEMX	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.36	2.55	+0.82
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.96	0.35	+1.61

Drawdowns

PEMX vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEMX drawdown since its inception was -14.91%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEMX and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEMX	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.91%	-38.71%	+23.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.45%	-13.21%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.91%	-17.21%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.67%	-2.30%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-12.97%	+10.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.66%	3.43%	+0.23%

Volatility

PEMX vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) has a higher volatility of 9.60% compared to iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) at 8.24%. This indicates that PEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEMX	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	8.24%	+1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.77%	16.97%	+1.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.54%	19.47%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.18%	18.38%	-0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.18%	20.03%	-1.85%

PEMX vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEMX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEMX vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

PEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.04%, more than IEMG's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.20%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.04%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEMX and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PEMX and IEMG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PEMX or IEMG?

PEMX has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to IEMG (8.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEMX dropped -14.91% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, PEMX or IEMG?

On 3-year performance, PEMX leads with 34.40% vs 23.19% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 8.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEMX or IEMG?

Over the 3-year period, PEMX has performed better with a 34.40% return vs 23.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEMX or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PEMX or IEMG?

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.20% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between PEMX and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for PEMX and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.36 vs 2.55), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.