PQEMX vs. ESCIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PQEMX (PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and ESCIX (Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, PQEMX returned 10.31%/yr vs 4.40%/yr for ESCIX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PQEMX charges 1.20%/yr vs 1.52%/yr for ESCIX.

Performance

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PQEMX achieves a 26.10% return, which is significantly higher than ESCIX's 8.91% return.

PQEMX

• 1D: -5.21%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 26.10%
• 6M: 27.43%
• 1Y: 49.00%
• 3Y*: 26.82%
• 5Y*: 10.31%
• 10Y*: —

ESCIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: 9.66%
• 1Y: 23.32%
• 3Y*: 14.89%
• 5Y*: 4.40%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PQEMX PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund	26.10%	35.22%	10.64%	13.61%	-16.02%	-0.90%	11.97%	15.18%	-16.59%	35.97%
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	8.91%	26.07%	3.55%	19.64%	-24.45%	11.93%	43.41%	15.24%	-22.01%	28.57%

Correlation

The correlation between PQEMX and ESCIX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between PQEMX and ESCIX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PQEMX vs. ESCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PQEMX

PQEMX Risk / Return Rank: 85
PQEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PQEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
PQEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PQEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
PQEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

ESCIX

ESCIX Risk / Return Rank: 91
ESCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
ESCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
ESCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
ESCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
ESCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). 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.

	PQEMX	ESCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	2.60	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.80	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.59	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.06	5.09	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.55	18.92	-3.37

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PQEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the ESCIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PQEMX and ESCIX, 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

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQEMX drawdown since its inception was -39.90%, smaller than the maximum ESCIX drawdown of -48.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQEMX and ESCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQEMX	ESCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.90%	-48.76%	+8.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.17%	-5.70%	-7.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.61%	-19.97%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.38%	-36.59%	+4.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.21%	-0.74%	-4.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.06%	-13.28%	+1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	1.52%	+1.91%

Volatility

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund (PQEMX) has a higher volatility of 12.08% compared to Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX) at 0.00%. This indicates that PQEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PQEMX	ESCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.08%	0.00%	+12.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.02%	6.70%	+12.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.10%	11.19%	+9.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	15.64%	+1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.62%	17.51%	+0.11%

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PQEMX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ESCIX's 1.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

PQEMX vs. ESCIX - Dividend Comparison

PQEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.96%, more than ESCIX's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	0.42%	0.91%	0.00%	0.56%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.11%	1.66%	1.16%
PQEMX PGIM Quant Solutions Emerging Markets Equity Fund	14.96%	18.87%	2.76%	3.40%	4.08%	3.41%	1.39%	2.06%	3.04%	6.46%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQEMX and ESCIX in my portfolio?

PQEMX and ESCIX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PQEMX or ESCIX?

PQEMX has higher volatility (12.08%) compared to ESCIX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PQEMX dropped -39.90% vs ESCIX's -48.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.53), 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.