REMG vs. GSG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

REMG (Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - REMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Russell, while GSG is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Total Return Index. REMG is actively managed, while GSG is passively managed. Over the past year, REMG returned 59.26% vs 51.52% for GSG. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. REMG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GSG.

Performance

REMG vs. GSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REMG achieves a 29.45% return, which is significantly lower than GSG's 42.58% return.

REMG

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 9.88%
• YTD: 29.45%
• 6M: 32.57%
• 1Y: 59.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GSG

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 42.58%
• 6M: 41.06%
• 1Y: 51.52%
• 3Y*: 19.31%
• 5Y*: 15.74%
• 10Y*: 7.69%

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

REMG vs. GSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	29.45%	24.09%
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	42.58%	8.93%

Correlation

The correlation between REMG and GSG is -0.17, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 2, 2025	-0.16

Return for Risk

REMG vs. GSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

REMG

REMG Risk / Return Rank: 84
REMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
REMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
REMG Omega Ratio Rank: 85
REMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
REMG Martin Ratio Rank: 84

GSG

GSG Risk / Return Rank: 71
GSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
GSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
GSG Omega Ratio Rank: 65
GSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GSG Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. GSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). 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	GSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.88	2.26	+0.63
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.71	2.88	+0.83
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.40	+0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.21	5.47	-1.26
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.07	14.39	+2.68
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. GSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REMG Sharpe Ratio is 2.88, which is comparable to the GSG Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REMG and GSG, 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	GSG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.88	2.26	+0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.93	-0.09	+3.02

Drawdowns

REMG vs. GSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REMG drawdown since its inception was -14.13%, smaller than the maximum GSG drawdown of -89.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REMG and GSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	REMG	GSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-89.62%	+75.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.13%	-9.46%	-4.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-56.95%	+55.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-63.71%	+61.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	3.59%	-0.11%

Volatility

REMG vs. GSG - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) has a higher volatility of 8.89% compared to iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) at 7.65%. This indicates that REMG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REMG	GSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.89%	7.65%	+1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.92%	20.42%	-2.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.66%	22.95%	-2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.62%	22.61%	-1.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.62%	22.03%	-1.41%

REMG vs. GSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

REMG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than GSG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

REMG vs. GSG - Dividend Comparison

REMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, while GSG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	0.00%	0.00%
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.06%	1.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REMG and GSG in my portfolio?

REMG and GSG have a correlation of -0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REMG or GSG?

REMG has higher volatility (8.89%) compared to GSG (7.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REMG dropped -14.13% vs GSG's -89.62%.

Which ETF is better, REMG or GSG?

On 1-year performance, REMG leads with 59.26% vs 51.52% for GSG. On fees, REMG is cheaper at 0.64% per year. On volatility, GSG has been the lower-risk option at 7.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REMG or GSG?

Over the 1-year period, REMG has performed better with a 59.26% return vs 51.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REMG or GSG?

REMG is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSG.

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

REMG has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.00% for GSG.

What is the main difference between REMG and GSG?

REMG is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while GSG is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Russell and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for REMG and 0.75% for GSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.88 vs 2.26), 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.