ROAM vs. EEM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

ROAM (Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - ROAM tracks the Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity Index while EEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ROAM returned 8.43%/yr vs 8.32%/yr for EEM. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. ROAM charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

ROAM vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROAM achieves a 16.88% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 17.75% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ROAM having a 8.43% annualized return and EEM not far behind at 8.32%.

ROAM

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -4.43%
• 6M: 8.48%
• YTD: 16.88%
• 1Y: 32.86%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 11.01%
• 10Y*: 8.43%
• ALL TIME*: 6.09%

EEM

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -2.45%
• 6M: 9.01%
• YTD: 17.75%
• 1Y: 35.57%
• 3Y*: 18.45%
• 5Y*: 6.91%
• 10Y*: 8.32%
• ALL TIME*: 9.87%

*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)
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	$1.56B	$1.60B	$1.90B
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	$526.05K	$557.47K	$1.05M

ROAM vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	16.88%	32.08%	6.21%	21.28%	-14.78%	9.32%	2.24%	8.89%	-12.24%	27.69%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	17.75%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between ROAM and EEM is 0.89, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2015	0.87

The correlation between ROAM and EEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROAM vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROAM	EEM
Technology	41.2%	45.9%
Financial Services	19.6%	18.2%
Communication Services	6.9%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	7.4%
Industrials	5.8%	6.2%
Energy	4.5%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	2.5%
Basic Materials	3.7%	5.4%
Healthcare	3.5%	2.5%
Utilities	2.7%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.0%

Return for Risk

ROAM vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ROAM

ROAM Risk / Return Rank: 78
ROAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ROAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ROAM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ROAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
ROAM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 63
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 64
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ROAM vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	ROAM	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.42	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	1.93	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.27	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	2.44	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.07	7.49	+1.57

ROAM vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROAM Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is higher than the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROAM and EEM, 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

ROAM vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROAM drawdown since its inception was -45.47%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROAM and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROAM	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.47%	-66.43%	+20.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-14.24%	+3.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.79%	-17.29%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-35.01%	+7.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.47%	-39.82%	-5.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.51%	-10.00%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.05%	-15.95%	+4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	4.63%	-1.02%

Volatility

ROAM vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) is 5.73%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 9.09%. This indicates that ROAM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROAM	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.73%	9.09%	-3.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.79%	22.40%	-6.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.50%	24.46%	-6.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.71%	19.83%	-4.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.94%	20.80%	-2.86%

ROAM vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROAM has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROAM vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

ROAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, more than EEM's 1.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.74%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	2.50%	3.17%	4.15%	5.40%	5.23%	4.22%	3.04%	3.55%	2.54%	1.84%	1.89%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROAM and EEM in my portfolio?

ROAM and EEM have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROAM or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (9.09%) compared to ROAM (5.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROAM dropped -45.47% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, ROAM or EEM?

On 10-year performance, ROAM leads with 8.43% vs 8.32% for EEM. On fees, ROAM is cheaper at 0.44% per year. On volatility, ROAM has been the lower-risk option at 5.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROAM or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, ROAM has performed better with a 8.43% return vs 8.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROAM or EEM?

ROAM is cheaper with a 0.44% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ROAM or EEM?

ROAM has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 1.74% for EEM.

What is the main difference between ROAM and EEM?

ROAM tracks Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Hartford and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for ROAM and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.42), 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.