PPEM vs. PEMX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PPEM (Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds from Putnam. PPEM is passively managed, while PEMX is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PPEM returned 24.99%/yr vs 36.76%/yr for PEMX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PPEM charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

PPEM vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPEM achieves a 31.88% return, which is significantly lower than PEMX's 47.85% return.

PPEM

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: 31.88%
• 6M: 34.07%
• 1Y: 55.67%
• 3Y*: 24.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 13.58%
• YTD: 47.85%
• 6M: 51.53%
• 1Y: 81.18%
• 3Y*: 36.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PPEM vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	31.88%	35.39%	7.50%	4.33%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	47.85%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%

Correlation

The correlation between PPEM and PEMX is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2023	0.82

The correlation between PPEM and PEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PPEM vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPEM

PPEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
PPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
PPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 92
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PPEM vs. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PPEM	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.62	3.37	-0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	4.00	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.58	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	5.65	-2.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.57	21.50	-6.93

PPEM vs. PEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.62, which is comparable to the PEMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPEM and PEMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PPEM vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPEM drawdown since its inception was -18.44%, which is greater than PEMX's maximum drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPEM and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPEM	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.44%	-14.91%	-3.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.28%	-14.45%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.44%	-14.91%	-3.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.80%	0.00%	-1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.19%	-2.85%	-1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	3.79%	+0.02%

Volatility

PPEM vs. PEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) is 7.94%, while Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) has a volatility of 12.62%. This indicates that PPEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPEM	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.94%	12.62%	-4.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.76%	21.81%	-3.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.24%	24.23%	-2.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.26%	19.17%	-0.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.26%	19.17%	-0.91%

PPEM vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPEM has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPEM vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

PPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 49.06%, more than PEMX's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	4.74%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	49.06%	6.05%	3.27%	1.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPEM and PEMX in my portfolio?

PPEM and PEMX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PPEM or PEMX?

PEMX has higher volatility (12.62%) compared to PPEM (7.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPEM dropped -18.44% vs PEMX's -14.91%.

Which ETF is better, PPEM or PEMX?

On 3-year performance, PEMX leads with 36.76% vs 24.99% for PPEM. On fees, PPEM is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, PPEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPEM or PEMX?

Over the 3-year period, PEMX has performed better with a 36.76% return vs 24.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPEM or PEMX?

PPEM is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

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

PPEM has the higher dividend yield at 49.06%, compared with 4.74% for PEMX.

What is the main difference between PPEM and PEMX?

Their fees differ too: 0.61% for PPEM and 0.85% for PEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.37 vs 2.62), 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.