RFEM vs. TJUN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) and TJUN (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June) are both exchange-traded funds - RFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while TJUN is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, RFEM returned 36.93% vs 13.53% for TJUN. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

RFEM vs. TJUN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June (TJUN). 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 TJUN's 1.65% return.

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%

TJUN

• 1D: -3.88%
• 1M: -3.12%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 13.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RFEM vs. TJUN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	18.11%	16.94%
TJUN FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June	1.65%	11.79%

Correlation

The correlation between RFEM and TJUN is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2025	0.82

The correlation between RFEM and TJUN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFEM vs. TJUN — 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

TJUN

TJUN Risk / Return Rank: 62
TJUN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
TJUN Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
TJUN Omega Ratio Rank: 69
TJUN Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
TJUN Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. TJUN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June (TJUN). 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	TJUN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.63	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.16	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.37	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	3.04	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.49	13.10	-0.61

RFEM vs. TJUN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the TJUN Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFEM and TJUN, 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. TJUN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFEM drawdown since its inception was -42.22%, which is greater than TJUN's maximum drawdown of -4.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFEM and TJUN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFEM	TJUN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.22%	-4.47%	-37.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.65%	-4.47%	-7.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.26%	-3.88%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.93%	-0.58%	-11.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	1.04%	+1.93%

Volatility

RFEM vs. TJUN - Volatility Comparison

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June (TJUN) at 4.01%. This indicates that RFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TJUN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFEM	TJUN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	4.01%	+4.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.94%	6.42%	+9.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.14%	8.33%	+9.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.15%	8.33%	+9.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.85%	8.33%	+11.52%

RFEM vs. TJUN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both RFEM and TJUN have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

RFEM vs. TJUN - Dividend Comparison

RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, while TJUN has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
TJUN FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFEM and TJUN in my portfolio?

RFEM and TJUN have a correlation of 0.83, 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 TJUN?

RFEM has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to TJUN (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFEM dropped -42.22% vs TJUN's -4.47%.

Which ETF is better, RFEM or TJUN?

On 1-year performance, RFEM leads with 36.93% vs 13.53% for TJUN. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, TJUN has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFEM or TJUN?

Over the 1-year period, RFEM has performed better with a 36.93% return vs 13.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFEM or TJUN?

RFEM and TJUN have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

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

RFEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.00% for TJUN.

What is the main difference between RFEM and TJUN?

RFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TJUN is Defined Outcome.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.63), 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.