PXH vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PXH (Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PXH is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PXH returned 10.53%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PXH charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

PXH vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF (PXH) 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, PXH achieves a 10.82% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 21.95% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PXH having a 10.53% annualized return and IEMG not far behind at 10.38%.

PXH

• 1D: -2.63%
• 1M: -0.53%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 11.08%
• 1Y: 28.95%
• 3Y*: 20.22%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

IEMG

• 1D: -5.44%
• 1M: 1.74%
• YTD: 21.95%
• 6M: 22.64%
• 1Y: 43.66%
• 3Y*: 22.14%
• 5Y*: 7.05%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

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

PXH vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PXH Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF	10.82%	31.44%	12.09%	13.93%	-15.18%	8.31%	-1.91%	16.77%	-8.68%	26.60%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	21.95%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between PXH and IEMG is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.94

The correlation between PXH and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

PXH vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PXH	IEMG
Financial Services	24.8%	16.7%
Technology	24.5%	42.1%
Basic Materials	11.8%	6.3%
Energy	11.5%	3.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	8.5%
Communication Services	5.9%	5.6%
Industrials	4.4%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.8%
Utilities	2.2%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.7%	1.6%
Healthcare	0.8%	3.2%

Return for Risk

PXH vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PXH

PXH Risk / Return Rank: 58
PXH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PXH Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PXH Omega Ratio Rank: 57
PXH Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PXH Martin Ratio Rank: 60

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 64
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

PXH vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF (PXH) 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.

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.

	PXH	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.98	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.56	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	3.32	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.04	12.15	-2.10

PXH vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PXH Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PXH 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.

Drawdowns

PXH vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PXH drawdown since its inception was -63.63%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PXH and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PXH	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.63%	-38.71%	-24.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-13.21%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.72%	-17.21%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.59%	-35.75%	+6.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.42%	-38.71%	-1.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.91%	-5.44%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.82%	-12.93%	-3.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	3.61%	-0.72%

Volatility

PXH vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF (PXH) is 6.78%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 12.22%. This indicates that PXH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PXH	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	12.22%	-5.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.45%	20.14%	-6.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.11%	22.12%	-6.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.93%	18.99%	-1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.96%	20.20%	-0.24%

PXH vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PXH has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PXH vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

PXH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.34%, more than IEMG's 2.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.21%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
PXH Invesco FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets ETF	4.34%	4.02%	4.43%	4.84%	5.33%	4.69%	2.79%	3.28%	3.30%	2.74%	1.97%	3.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PXH and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, PXH 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, PXH or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (12.22%) compared to PXH (6.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PXH dropped -63.63% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, PXH or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, PXH leads with 10.53% vs 10.38% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, PXH has been the lower-risk option at 6.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PXH or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, PXH has performed better with a 10.53% return vs 10.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PXH or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PXH.

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

PXH has the higher dividend yield at 4.34%, compared with 2.21% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between PXH and IEMG?

PXH is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Diversified. PXH tracks FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PXH and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.81), 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.