RLEMX vs. FQEMX

Last updated Jul 25, 2026

RLEMX (Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6) and FQEMX (Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, RLEMX returned 26.16%/yr vs 40.19%/yr for FQEMX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RLEMX charges 1.38%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for FQEMX.

Performance

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RLEMX achieves a 24.08% return, which is significantly lower than FQEMX's 60.99% return.

RLEMX

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 2.70%
• 6M: 14.58%
• YTD: 24.08%
• 1Y: 41.56%
• 3Y*: 26.16%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 10.12%
• ALL TIME*: 11.58%

FQEMX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -9.40%
• 6M: 41.78%
• YTD: 60.99%
• 1Y: 99.61%
• 3Y*: 40.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 20.12%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	24.08%	41.38%	7.60%	22.42%	-14.86%	-3.10%
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	60.99%	55.98%	6.67%	12.18%	-20.68%	0.32%

Correlation

The correlation between RLEMX and FQEMX is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2021	0.81

The correlation between RLEMX and FQEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RLEMX vs. FQEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RLEMX

RLEMX Risk / Return Rank: 94
RLEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
RLEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
RLEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
RLEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
RLEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

FQEMX

FQEMX Risk / Return Rank: 92
FQEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FQEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FQEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FQEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FQEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). 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.

	RLEMX	FQEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	2.81	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	3.02	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.49	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	4.97	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	15.51	-1.79

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RLEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.86, which is comparable to the FQEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RLEMX and FQEMX, 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

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RLEMX drawdown since its inception was -44.12%, which is greater than FQEMX's maximum drawdown of -34.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RLEMX and FQEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RLEMX	FQEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.12%	-34.46%	-9.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.41%	-20.58%	+10.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-20.58%	+6.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.17%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-16.41%	+14.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-10.76%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	6.53%	-3.48%

Volatility

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) is 4.74%, while Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX) has a volatility of 15.08%. This indicates that RLEMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FQEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RLEMX	FQEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	15.08%	-10.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	34.11%	-21.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.70%	36.41%	-21.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.58%	23.47%	-8.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.37%	23.47%	-7.10%

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RLEMX has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than FQEMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

RLEMX vs. FQEMX - Dividend Comparison

RLEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, less than FQEMX's 1.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	1.98%	3.18%	3.15%	4.82%	3.93%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	1.65%	2.05%	3.10%	3.76%	5.92%	4.89%	2.11%	2.45%	2.10%	1.99%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RLEMX and FQEMX in my portfolio?

RLEMX and FQEMX 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, RLEMX or FQEMX?

FQEMX has higher volatility (15.08%) compared to RLEMX (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RLEMX dropped -44.12% vs FQEMX's -34.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RLEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 2.81), 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.