RNEM vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - RNEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RNEM returned 3.68% vs 24.15% for TDEC. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RNEM charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

RNEM vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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 TDEC's 9.14% return.

RNEM

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

TDEC

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 1.54%
• YTD: 9.14%
• 6M: 11.08%
• 1Y: 24.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RNEM vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	-1.51%	15.58%	-0.77%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	9.14%	21.39%	-0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between RNEM and TDEC is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2024	0.78

The correlation between RNEM and TDEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RNEM vs. TDEC — 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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 74
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	2.41	-2.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	3.34	-2.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.54	-0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	2.97	-2.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.80	13.07	-12.27
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. TDEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNEM Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the TDEC Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNEM and TDEC, 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	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28	2.41	-2.13
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	1.81	-1.58

Drawdowns

RNEM vs. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNEM drawdown since its inception was -38.38%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNEM and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNEM	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.38%	-10.30%	-28.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-8.16%	-2.55%
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%	-0.33%	-7.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-1.04%	-8.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	1.85%	+2.74%

Volatility

RNEM vs. TDEC - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) at 2.81%. This indicates that RNEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNEM	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	2.81%	+1.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.37%	9.02%	+1.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	10.09%	+3.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	11.75%	+2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.22%	11.75%	+5.47%

RNEM vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNEM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNEM vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

RNEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	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 RNEM and TDEC in my portfolio?

RNEM and TDEC have a correlation of 0.77, 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 TDEC?

RNEM has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to TDEC (2.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNEM dropped -38.38% vs TDEC's -10.30%.

Which ETF is better, RNEM or TDEC?

On 1-year performance, TDEC leads with 24.15% vs 3.68% for RNEM. On fees, RNEM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 2.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RNEM or TDEC?

Over the 1-year period, TDEC has performed better with a 24.15% 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 TDEC?

RNEM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

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

RNEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between RNEM and TDEC?

RNEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index, while TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for RNEM and 0.95% for TDEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 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.