RFEM vs. EDIV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) and EDIV (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. RFEM is actively managed, while EDIV is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFEM returned 9.39%/yr vs 9.21%/yr for EDIV. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFEM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EDIV.

Performance

RFEM vs. EDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFEM achieves a 18.11% return, which is significantly higher than EDIV's 5.93% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RFEM having a 9.39% annualized return and EDIV not far behind at 9.21%.

RFEM

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 18.11%
• 6M: 18.72%
• 1Y: 36.93%
• 3Y*: 22.77%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

EDIV

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 5.93%
• 6M: 5.72%
• 1Y: 14.10%
• 3Y*: 17.91%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

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

RFEM vs. EDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	18.11%	27.71%	10.85%	20.78%	-19.05%	0.97%	8.19%	20.33%	-18.80%	35.73%
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	5.93%	16.45%	12.75%	41.91%	-15.31%	11.21%	-9.95%	11.80%	-6.16%	28.20%

Correlation

The correlation between RFEM and EDIV is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2016	0.80

The correlation between RFEM and EDIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFEM vs. EDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFEM	EDIV
Technology	36.3%	6.8%
Financial Services	21.0%	16.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	7.6%
Industrials	8.0%	6.4%
Energy	5.9%	3.7%
Communication Services	5.0%	5.2%
Basic Materials	3.9%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	9.3%
Healthcare	2.4%	0.6%
Utilities	1.3%	1.6%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.8%

Return for Risk

RFEM vs. EDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFEM

RFEM Risk / Return Rank: 69
RFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
RFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
RFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
RFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
RFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 31
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 33
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

RFEM vs. EDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV). 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.

	RFEM	EDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.12	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	1.64	+1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.21	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.37	+1.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.49	4.08	+8.41

RFEM vs. EDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is higher than the EDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFEM and EDIV, 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

RFEM vs. EDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFEM drawdown since its inception was -42.22%, smaller than the maximum EDIV drawdown of -53.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFEM and EDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFEM	EDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.22%	-53.36%	+11.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.65%	-10.36%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-13.84%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.25%	-28.32%	-5.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.22%	-40.76%	-1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.26%	-4.51%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.93%	-19.31%	+7.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	3.46%	-0.49%

Volatility

RFEM vs. EDIV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) at 4.81%. This indicates that RFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFEM	EDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	4.81%	+3.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.94%	10.71%	+5.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.14%	12.67%	+5.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.15%	13.91%	+4.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.85%	17.38%	+2.47%

RFEM vs. EDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFEM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than EDIV's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFEM vs. EDIV - Dividend Comparison

RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, less than EDIV's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.28%	4.69%	3.94%	4.26%	4.94%	3.84%	3.52%	3.83%	3.41%	2.99%	4.94%	5.33%
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	1.73%	1.98%	3.64%	3.28%	7.74%	3.21%	1.22%	3.75%	2.37%	1.62%	3.73%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFEM and EDIV in my portfolio?

RFEM and EDIV have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFEM or EDIV?

RFEM has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to EDIV (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFEM dropped -42.22% vs EDIV's -53.36%.

Which ETF is better, RFEM or EDIV?

On 10-year performance, RFEM leads with 9.39% vs 9.21% for EDIV. On fees, EDIV is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EDIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFEM or EDIV?

Over the 10-year period, RFEM has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 9.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFEM or EDIV?

EDIV is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RFEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFEM or EDIV?

EDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 1.73% for RFEM.

What is the main difference between RFEM and EDIV?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RFEM and 0.49% for EDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.12), 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.