REMG vs. FRDM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

REMG (Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. REMG is actively managed, while FRDM is passively managed. Over the past year, REMG returned 61.56% vs 100.10% for FRDM. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REMG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FRDM.

Performance

REMG vs. FRDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REMG achieves a 31.09% return, which is significantly lower than FRDM's 46.51% return.

REMG

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 11.45%
• YTD: 31.09%
• 6M: 34.21%
• 1Y: 61.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FRDM

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 18.47%
• YTD: 46.51%
• 6M: 55.81%
• 1Y: 100.10%
• 3Y*: 37.68%
• 5Y*: 19.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

REMG vs. FRDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	31.09%	24.09%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	46.51%	38.31%

Correlation

The correlation between REMG and FRDM is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 2, 2025	0.90

The correlation between REMG and FRDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

REMG vs. FRDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	REMG	FRDM
Technology	36.6%	41.1%
Financial Services	20.5%	22.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	7.8%
Industrials	7.7%	8.6%
Communication Services	6.3%	3.9%
Basic Materials	6.2%	7.4%
Energy	4.1%	0.1%
Healthcare	2.7%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.2%
Real Estate	1.7%	2.5%
Utilities	1.4%	2.6%

Return for Risk

REMG vs. FRDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 94
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 94
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

REMG vs. FRDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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.

	REMG	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.00	4.12	-1.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.84	4.76	-0.92
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.69	-0.15
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.08	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	—	24.53	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

REMG vs. FRDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REMG Sharpe Ratio is 3.00, which is comparable to the FRDM Sharpe Ratio of 4.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REMG and FRDM, 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

	REMG	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.00	4.12	-1.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.05	0.86	+2.18

Drawdowns

REMG vs. FRDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REMG drawdown since its inception was -14.13%, smaller than the maximum FRDM drawdown of -40.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REMG and FRDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	REMG	FRDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-40.49%	+26.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.13%	-16.87%	+2.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-7.10%	+5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	4.18%	-0.70%

Volatility

REMG vs. FRDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) is 8.72%, while Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) has a volatility of 10.86%. This indicates that REMG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REMG	FRDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.72%	10.86%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.86%	21.59%	-3.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.61%	24.47%	-3.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	20.79%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.61%	22.77%	-2.16%

REMG vs. FRDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

REMG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than FRDM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

REMG vs. FRDM - Dividend Comparison

REMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, less than FRDM's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.49%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.05%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REMG and FRDM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, REMG and FRDM 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, REMG or FRDM?

FRDM has higher volatility (10.86%) compared to REMG (8.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REMG dropped -14.13% vs FRDM's -40.49%.

Which ETF is better, REMG or FRDM?

On 1-year performance, FRDM leads with 100.10% vs 61.56% for REMG. On fees, FRDM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, REMG has been the lower-risk option at 8.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REMG or FRDM?

Over the 1-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 100.10% return vs 61.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REMG or FRDM?

FRDM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for REMG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REMG or FRDM?

FRDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 1.05% for REMG.

What is the main difference between REMG and FRDM?

They also come from different issuers: Russell and Freedom Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for REMG and 0.49% for FRDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.12 vs 3.00), 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.