RFEM vs. VEXC
RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. RFEM is actively managed, while VEXC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFEM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.
Performance
RFEM vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with RFEM having a 17.52% return and VEXC slightly higher at 17.93%.
RFEM
- 1D
- -1.66%
- 1M
- -3.29%
- 6M
- 12.18%
- YTD
- 17.52%
- 1Y
- 30.60%
- 3Y*
- 20.87%
- 5Y*
- 8.90%
- 10Y*
- 8.92%
VEXC
- 1D
- -1.42%
- 1M
- -2.43%
- 6M
- 13.21%
- YTD
- 17.93%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
RFEM vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 17.52% | 4.49% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 17.93% | 4.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between RFEM and VEXC is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025 | 0.93 |
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Return for Risk
RFEM vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank
RFEM
VEXC
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
RFEM vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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 | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.64 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.81 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
RFEM vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum RFEM drawdown since its inception was -42.22%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFEM and VEXC.
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Drawdown Indicators
| RFEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -42.22% | -12.42% | -29.80% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.65% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.81% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -32.71% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.22% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.75% | -5.52% | +0.77% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.88% | -2.37% | -9.51% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.13% | — | — |
Volatility
RFEM vs. VEXC - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| RFEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.82% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 16.32% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.52% | 20.12% | -1.60% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.20% | 20.12% | -1.92% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.66% | 20.12% | -0.46% |
RFEM vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison
RFEM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
RFEM vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison
RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, more than VEXC's 1.46% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 2.69% | 1.98% | 3.64% | 3.28% | 7.74% | 3.21% | 1.22% | 3.75% | 2.37% | 1.62% | 3.73% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.46% | 0.43% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, RFEM and VEXC 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.
On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RFEM.
RFEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 1.46% for VEXC.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RFEM and 0.07% for VEXC.
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