RFDI vs. KEMX

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and KEMX (KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RFDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while KEMX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. RFDI is actively managed, while KEMX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFDI returned 8.41%/yr vs 12.08%/yr for KEMX. Their 0.75 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for KEMX.

Performance

RFDI vs. KEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFDI achieves a 15.09% return, which is significantly lower than KEMX's 30.22% return.

RFDI

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 4.03%
• 6M: 7.50%
• YTD: 15.09%
• 1Y: 31.09%
• 3Y*: 20.86%
• 5Y*: 8.41%
• 10Y*: 9.15%
• ALL TIME*: 9.05%

KEMX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: -4.08%
• 6M: 16.35%
• YTD: 30.22%
• 1Y: 56.00%
• 3Y*: 25.12%
• 5Y*: 12.08%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.50%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF	$527.87K	$528.96K	$586.53K
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	$615.45K	$498.53K	$409.01K

RFDI vs. KEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	15.09%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	-23.57%	17.36%	9.16%	6.84%
KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF	30.22%	38.28%	0.36%	20.57%	-19.35%	10.55%	12.84%	7.93%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and KEMX is 0.71, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2019	0.75

The correlation between RFDI and KEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. KEMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	KEMX
Financial Services	28.7%	20.3%
Industrials	11.5%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	4.9%
Energy	9.4%	3.6%
Technology	9.1%	46.4%
Healthcare	8.6%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	2.7%
Communication Services	4.9%	3.0%
Basic Materials	4.4%	7.3%
Utilities	4.2%	1.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.1%

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. KEMX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 82
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 79

KEMX

KEMX Risk / Return Rank: 83
KEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
KEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
KEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
KEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
KEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

RFDI vs. KEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) and KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX). 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.

	RFDI	KEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.09	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.64	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.37	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	3.49	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.21	10.97	+0.24

RFDI vs. KEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the KEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI and KEMX, 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

RFDI vs. KEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, roughly equal to the maximum KEMX drawdown of -38.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and KEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	KEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-38.80%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-16.11%	+5.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-19.62%	+6.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-30.85%	-5.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-11.37%	+11.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.11%	-8.82%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	5.12%	-2.34%

Volatility

RFDI vs. KEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 3.98%, while KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) has a volatility of 9.60%. This indicates that RFDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFDI	KEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	9.60%	-5.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.65%	24.90%	-12.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.88%	26.99%	-12.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.84%	19.41%	-2.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.03%	21.51%	-4.48%

RFDI vs. KEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than KEMX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. KEMX - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.07%, more than KEMX's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF	2.52%	3.28%	3.39%	2.00%	4.10%	4.79%	1.69%	2.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.07%	3.45%	5.21%	2.43%	5.00%	3.22%	1.34%	2.72%	2.59%	1.63%	1.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and KEMX in my portfolio?

RFDI and KEMX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFDI or KEMX?

KEMX has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to RFDI (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs KEMX's -38.80%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or KEMX?

On 5-year performance, KEMX leads with 12.08% vs 8.41% for RFDI. On fees, KEMX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, RFDI has been the lower-risk option at 3.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or KEMX?

Over the 5-year period, KEMX has performed better with a 12.08% return vs 8.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or KEMX?

KEMX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFDI or KEMX?

RFDI has the higher dividend yield at 3.07%, compared with 2.52% for KEMX.

What is the main difference between RFDI and KEMX?

RFDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while KEMX is Emerging Markets Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and CICC. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.25% for KEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 2.09), 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.