RNEM vs. EMDV

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) and EMDV (ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index while EMDV tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RNEM returned 4.79%/yr vs -2.98%/yr for EMDV. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RNEM charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for EMDV.

Performance

RNEM vs. EMDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (EMDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNEM achieves a 0.25% return, which is significantly higher than EMDV's -1.93% return.

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

EMDV

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -2.37%
• 6M: -3.40%
• YTD: -1.93%
• 1Y: 1.34%
• 3Y*: 1.11%
• 5Y*: -2.98%
• 10Y*: 1.87%

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

RNEM vs. EMDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	12.76%	-9.34%	11.97%
EMDV ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF	-1.93%	11.90%	0.06%	-1.03%	-18.19%	1.11%	-0.09%	14.93%	-7.52%	14.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RNEM and EMDV is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2017	0.67

The correlation between RNEM and EMDV shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.81 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RNEM vs. EMDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RNEM	EMDV
Financial Services	35.0%	23.4%
Basic Materials	14.2%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	6.5%
Communication Services	8.7%	5.7%
Energy	7.0%	-
Technology	6.4%	24.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	15.8%
Healthcare	4.5%	7.7%
Industrials	3.9%	5.9%
Utilities	3.5%	8.2%
Real Estate	0.8%	-

Return for Risk

RNEM vs. EMDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

EMDV

EMDV Risk / Return Rank: 11
EMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
EMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
EMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 10
EMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
EMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

RNEM vs. EMDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (EMDV). 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.

	RNEM	EMDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.21	0.12	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.39	0.25	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.03	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.24	0.19	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.65	0.46	+0.19

RNEM vs. EMDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNEM Sharpe Ratio is 0.21, which is higher than the EMDV Sharpe Ratio of 0.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNEM and EMDV, 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

RNEM vs. EMDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNEM drawdown since its inception was -38.38%, roughly equal to the maximum EMDV drawdown of -39.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNEM and EMDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNEM	EMDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.38%	-39.20%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-7.24%	-3.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.09%	-20.71%	+7.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.41%	-33.37%	+11.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.81%	-17.41%	+11.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.26%	-13.58%	+4.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	2.90%	+1.09%

Volatility

RNEM vs. EMDV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) has a higher volatility of 3.75% compared to ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF (EMDV) at 3.29%. This indicates that RNEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EMDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNEM	EMDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	3.29%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.93%	9.81%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.51%	11.50%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.48%	15.45%	-0.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.18%	18.00%	-0.82%

RNEM vs. EMDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNEM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than EMDV's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNEM vs. EMDV - Dividend Comparison

RNEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than EMDV's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EMDV ProShares MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Growers ETF	1.97%	2.46%	2.79%	1.88%	3.68%	2.12%	3.12%	2.38%	1.27%	2.09%	2.87%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNEM and EMDV in my portfolio?

RNEM and EMDV have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RNEM or EMDV?

RNEM has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to EMDV (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNEM dropped -38.38% vs EMDV's -39.20%.

Which ETF is better, RNEM or EMDV?

On 5-year performance, RNEM leads with 4.79% vs -2.98% for EMDV. On fees, EMDV is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, EMDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RNEM or EMDV?

Over the 5-year period, RNEM has performed better with a 4.79% return vs -2.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RNEM or EMDV?

EMDV is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RNEM or EMDV?

RNEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 1.97% for EMDV.

What is the main difference between RNEM and EMDV?

RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index, while EMDV tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Dividend Masters Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for RNEM and 0.60% for EMDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RNEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.21 vs 0.12), 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.