ROAM vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ROAM (Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROAM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ROAM returned 9.73%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for EEM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. 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 29.16% return, which is significantly higher than EEM's 23.41% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ROAM having a 9.73% annualized return and EEM not far ahead at 9.87%.

ROAM

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 7.05%
• YTD: 29.16%
• 6M: 30.76%
• 1Y: 51.32%
• 3Y*: 26.56%
• 5Y*: 12.97%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

EEM

• 1D: -5.67%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 23.41%
• 6M: 24.32%
• 1Y: 46.62%
• 3Y*: 22.58%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

ROAM vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	29.16%	32.08%	6.21%	21.28%	-14.78%	9.32%	2.24%	8.89%	-12.24%	27.69%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	23.41%	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 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
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	40.0%	46.4%
Financial Services	19.9%	17.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	7.2%
Communication Services	6.0%	5.6%
Industrials	5.6%	5.9%
Energy	4.8%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	2.4%
Basic Materials	3.8%	5.7%
Healthcare	3.1%	2.3%
Utilities	2.2%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.9%

Return for Risk

ROAM vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROAM

ROAM Risk / Return Rank: 90
ROAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
ROAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
ROAM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ROAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ROAM Martin Ratio Rank: 88

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 67
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

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	3.18	2.06	+1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.00	2.63	+1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.39	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.20	3.46	+1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.58	12.70	+5.89

ROAM vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROAM Sharpe Ratio is 3.18, which is higher than the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. 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	-9.92%	-13.52%	+3.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.79%	-17.29%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-37.49%	+10.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.47%	-39.82%	-5.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.67%	+5.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.10%	-15.99%	+4.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	3.68%	-0.91%

Volatility

ROAM vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) is 8.17%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 12.59%. 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	8.17%	12.59%	-4.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.33%	20.73%	-6.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	22.77%	-6.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.52%	19.55%	-4.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.91%	20.67%	-2.76%

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 2.45%, more than EEM's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.66%	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	2.45%	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 0.90, 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 (12.59%) compared to ROAM (8.17%). 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, EEM leads with 9.87% vs 9.73% for ROAM. On fees, ROAM is cheaper at 0.44% per year. On volatility, ROAM has been the lower-risk option at 8.17%. 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, EEM has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 9.73%. 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 2.45%, compared with 1.66% for EEM.

What is the main difference between ROAM and EEM?

ROAM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. 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 (3.18 vs 2.06), 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.