RFEM vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. RFEM is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RFEM returned 8.99%/yr vs 5.70%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFEM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

RFEM vs. SPEM - 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 Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFEM achieves a 21.66% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 12.45% return.

RFEM

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 21.66%
• 6M: 23.54%
• 1Y: 45.49%
• 3Y*: 24.73%
• 5Y*: 8.99%
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 12.45%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.35%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

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

RFEM vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	21.66%	27.71%	10.85%	20.78%	-19.05%	0.97%	8.19%	20.33%	-18.80%	35.73%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	12.45%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between RFEM and SPEM is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2016	0.91

The correlation between RFEM and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFEM vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFEM	SPEM
Technology	35.8%	28.2%
Financial Services	20.4%	20.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	10.4%
Industrials	7.9%	8.5%
Energy	6.6%	4.7%
Communication Services	5.7%	7.2%
Basic Materials	4.0%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	3.9%
Healthcare	2.7%	4.0%
Utilities	1.4%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.9%

Return for Risk

RFEM vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFEM

RFEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
RFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
RFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
RFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 57
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. SPEM - 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 Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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.

	RFEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	1.98	+0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	2.73	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.36	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	2.77	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.99	10.14	+5.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFEM vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFEM and SPEM, 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

	RFEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.71	1.98	+0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.33	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.23	+0.29

Drawdowns

RFEM vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFEM drawdown since its inception was -42.22%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFEM and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFEM	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.22%	-64.41%	+22.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.65%	-11.36%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-17.62%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.73%	-31.88%	-2.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.39%	-1.40%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.98%	-14.75%	+2.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	3.10%	-0.25%

Volatility

RFEM vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) has a higher volatility of 6.86% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 5.69%. This indicates that RFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFEM	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	5.69%	+1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	13.29%	+1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	15.92%	+0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.88%	17.13%	+0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.81%	18.80%	+1.01%

RFEM vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFEM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFEM vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, less than SPEM's 2.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	1.68%	1.98%	3.64%	3.28%	7.74%	3.21%	1.22%	3.75%	2.37%	1.62%	3.73%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.47%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFEM and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, RFEM and SPEM 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, RFEM or SPEM?

RFEM has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to SPEM (5.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFEM dropped -42.22% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, RFEM or SPEM?

On 5-year performance, RFEM leads with 8.99% vs 5.70% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 5.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFEM or SPEM?

Over the 5-year period, RFEM has performed better with a 8.99% return vs 5.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFEM or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RFEM.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.47%, compared with 1.68% for RFEM.

What is the main difference between RFEM and SPEM?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RFEM and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.98), 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.