RNEM vs. GEME

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) and GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. RNEM is passively managed, while GEME is actively managed. Over the past year, RNEM returned 3.68% vs 82.30% for GEME. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

RNEM vs. GEME - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNEM achieves a -1.51% return, which is significantly lower than GEME's 38.52% return.

RNEM

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: -1.51%
• 6M: -0.99%
• 1Y: 3.68%
• 3Y*: 7.58%
• 5Y*: 3.88%
• 10Y*: —

GEME

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 10.91%
• YTD: 38.52%
• 6M: 44.89%
• 1Y: 82.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RNEM vs. GEME - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	-1.51%	14.74%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	38.52%	37.35%

Correlation

The correlation between RNEM and GEME is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2025	0.67

The correlation between RNEM and GEME has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RNEM vs. GEME — 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: 12
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 93
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 94
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. GEME - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). 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.

	RNEM	GEME	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	3.90	-3.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	4.67	-4.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.68	-0.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	6.15	-5.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.80	24.06	-23.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RNEM vs. GEME - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNEM Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the GEME Sharpe Ratio of 3.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNEM and GEME, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RNEM	GEME	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28	3.90	-3.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	2.66	-2.43

Drawdowns

RNEM vs. GEME - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNEM drawdown since its inception was -38.38%, which is greater than GEME's maximum drawdown of -16.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNEM and GEME.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNEM	GEME	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.38%	-16.86%	-21.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-13.46%	+2.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.46%	-1.23%	-6.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-2.30%	-7.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	3.43%	+1.16%

Volatility

RNEM vs. GEME - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) is 4.23%, while Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) has a volatility of 8.56%. This indicates that RNEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GEME based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNEM	GEME	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	8.56%	-4.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.37%	17.91%	-7.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	21.23%	-7.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	22.95%	-8.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.22%	22.95%	-5.73%

RNEM vs. GEME - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both RNEM and GEME have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

RNEM vs. GEME - Dividend Comparison

RNEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, less than GEME's 5.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.06%	7.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.79%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNEM and GEME in my portfolio?

RNEM and GEME have a correlation of 0.69, 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 GEME?

GEME has higher volatility (8.56%) compared to RNEM (4.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNEM dropped -38.38% vs GEME's -16.86%.

Which ETF is better, RNEM or GEME?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 82.30% vs 3.68% for RNEM. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 4.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RNEM or GEME?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 82.30% return vs 3.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RNEM or GEME?

RNEM and GEME have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

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

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.06%, compared with 2.79% for RNEM.

What is the main difference between RNEM and GEME?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Pacific AM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.90 vs 0.28), 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.