RFEM vs. TDIV

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) and TDIV (First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - RFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while TDIV is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index. RFEM is actively managed, while TDIV is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFEM returned 9.91%/yr vs 17.74%/yr for TDIV. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFEM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for TDIV.

Performance

RFEM vs. TDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFEM achieves a 20.69% return, which is significantly higher than TDIV's 19.14% return. Over the past 10 years, RFEM has underperformed TDIV with an annualized return of 9.91%, while TDIV has yielded a comparatively higher 17.74% annualized return.

RFEM

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 0.68%
• 6M: 17.22%
• YTD: 20.69%
• 1Y: 35.70%
• 3Y*: 23.15%
• 5Y*: 9.59%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

TDIV

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -1.68%
• 6M: 15.59%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 1Y: 26.95%
• 3Y*: 27.29%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 17.74%

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

RFEM vs. TDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	20.69%	27.71%	10.85%	20.78%	-19.05%	0.97%	8.19%	20.33%	-18.80%	35.73%
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	19.14%	25.27%	24.43%	36.71%	-22.13%	29.49%	17.55%	33.27%	-3.18%	21.95%

Correlation

The correlation between RFEM and TDIV is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2016	0.66

The correlation between RFEM and TDIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFEM vs. TDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFEM	TDIV
Technology	36.3%	87.1%
Financial Services	21.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	-
Industrials	8.0%	1.3%
Energy	5.9%	-
Communication Services	5.0%	11.6%
Basic Materials	3.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	-
Healthcare	2.4%	-
Utilities	1.3%	-
Real Estate	0.7%	-

Return for Risk

RFEM vs. TDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFEM

RFEM Risk / Return Rank: 76
RFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
RFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
RFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
RFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
RFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

TDIV

TDIV Risk / Return Rank: 45
TDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
TDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
TDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
TDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
TDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. TDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV). 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	TDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.31	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	1.82	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.23	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	2.03	+1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.53	5.62	+5.91

RFEM vs. TDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the TDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFEM and TDIV, 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. TDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFEM drawdown since its inception was -42.22%, which is greater than TDIV's maximum drawdown of -31.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFEM and TDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFEM	TDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.22%	-31.97%	-10.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.65%	-13.01%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-23.00%	+7.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.30%	-31.97%	-1.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.22%	-31.97%	-10.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-10.39%	+8.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.89%	-4.87%	-7.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	4.69%	-1.60%

Volatility

RFEM vs. TDIV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) have volatilities of 6.66% and 6.90%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFEM	TDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	6.90%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.18%	15.98%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.31%	20.17%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.16%	21.03%	-2.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.70%	20.95%	-1.25%

RFEM vs. TDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFEM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than TDIV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFEM vs. TDIV - Dividend Comparison

RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more than TDIV's 1.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	2.62%	1.98%	3.64%	3.28%	7.74%	3.21%	1.22%	3.75%	2.37%	1.62%	3.73%	0.00%
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	1.32%	1.40%	1.59%	1.74%	2.51%	1.76%	2.07%	2.27%	2.97%	2.27%	2.45%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFEM and TDIV in my portfolio?

RFEM and TDIV have a correlation of 0.73, 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 TDIV?

TDIV has higher volatility (6.90%) compared to RFEM (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFEM dropped -42.22% vs TDIV's -31.97%.

Which ETF is better, RFEM or TDIV?

On 10-year performance, TDIV leads with 17.74% vs 9.91% for RFEM. On fees, TDIV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RFEM has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFEM or TDIV?

Over the 10-year period, TDIV has performed better with a 17.74% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFEM or TDIV?

TDIV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RFEM.

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

RFEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.32% for TDIV.

What is the main difference between RFEM and TDIV?

RFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDIV is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RFEM and 0.50% for TDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.31), 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.