SDMGX vs. FQEMX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SDMGX (SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund) and FQEMX (Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 3 years, SDMGX returned 24.19%/yr vs 46.24%/yr for FQEMX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDMGX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for FQEMX.

Performance

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund (SDMGX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDMGX achieves a 22.60% return, which is significantly lower than FQEMX's 77.70% return.

SDMGX

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: 22.60%
• 6M: 23.67%
• 1Y: 47.02%
• 3Y*: 24.19%
• 5Y*: 8.19%
• 10Y*: 11.17%

FQEMX

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 77.70%
• 6M: 83.04%
• 1Y: 128.99%
• 3Y*: 46.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SDMGX SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund	22.60%	36.11%	13.58%	7.37%	-17.23%	-6.13%
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	77.70%	55.98%	6.67%	12.18%	-20.68%	0.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SDMGX and FQEMX 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2021	0.83

The correlation between SDMGX and FQEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SDMGX vs. FQEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDMGX

SDMGX Risk / Return Rank: 79
SDMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SDMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SDMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
SDMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SDMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

FQEMX

FQEMX Risk / Return Rank: 96
FQEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FQEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FQEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
FQEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FQEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund (SDMGX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). 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.

	SDMGX	FQEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	4.01	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	3.95	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.69	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.72	7.06	-3.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.68	25.56	-11.88

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDMGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is lower than the FQEMX Sharpe Ratio of 4.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDMGX and FQEMX, 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

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDMGX drawdown since its inception was -67.12%, which is greater than FQEMX's maximum drawdown of -34.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDMGX and FQEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDMGX	FQEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.12%	-34.46%	-32.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.00%	-18.93%	+5.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.90%	-18.93%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.52%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.97%	-7.73%	+1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.56%	-10.71%	-12.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	5.17%	-1.65%

Volatility

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund (SDMGX) is 13.91%, while Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX) has a volatility of 21.09%. This indicates that SDMGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FQEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDMGX	FQEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.91%	21.09%	-7.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.90%	30.88%	-10.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.47%	33.43%	-10.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.26%	22.65%	-2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	22.65%	-2.96%

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDMGX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than FQEMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDMGX vs. FQEMX - Dividend Comparison

SDMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, less than FQEMX's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	1.79%	3.18%	3.15%	4.82%	3.93%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDMGX SIT Developing Markets Growth Fund	0.71%	0.87%	4.13%	2.03%	2.44%	2.13%	0.26%	1.75%	1.67%	1.45%	0.27%	3.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDMGX and FQEMX in my portfolio?

SDMGX and FQEMX 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, SDMGX or FQEMX?

FQEMX has higher volatility (21.09%) compared to SDMGX (13.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDMGX dropped -67.12% vs FQEMX's -34.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FQEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.01 vs 2.16), 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.