SEEM vs. FTHF

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SEEM (SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. SEEM is actively managed, while FTHF is passively managed. Over the past year, SEEM returned 57.95% vs 104.83% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEEM charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

SEEM vs. FTHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEEM achieves a 29.50% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 49.58% return.

SEEM

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 6.25%
• YTD: 29.50%
• 6M: 33.05%
• 1Y: 57.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTHF

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 10.33%
• YTD: 49.58%
• 6M: 58.75%
• 1Y: 104.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEEM vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	29.50%	38.16%	-6.86%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	49.58%	65.30%	-9.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SEEM and FTHF is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2024	0.86

The correlation between SEEM and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEEM vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 85
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 89
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SEEM vs. FTHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). 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.

	SEEM	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	3.22	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	3.74	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.60	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.16	6.46	-2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.48	18.16	-1.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SEEM vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is comparable to the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 3.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEEM and FTHF, 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

	SEEM	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.95	3.22	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.85	1.84	+0.02

Drawdowns

SEEM vs. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEEM drawdown since its inception was -14.34%, smaller than the maximum FTHF drawdown of -17.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEEM and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEEM	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-17.36%	+3.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-16.31%	+2.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.24%	-2.91%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-4.21%	+1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.53%	5.79%	-2.26%

Volatility

SEEM vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is 8.19%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 11.97%. This indicates that SEEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEEM	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.19%	11.97%	-3.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.07%	24.52%	-7.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.74%	32.79%	-13.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.80%	25.44%	-5.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.80%	25.44%	-5.64%

SEEM vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEEM has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEEM vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

SEEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.45%, less than FTHF's 3.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.01%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.45%	3.31%	0.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEEM and FTHF in my portfolio?

SEEM and FTHF have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEEM or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (11.97%) compared to SEEM (8.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEEM dropped -14.34% vs FTHF's -17.36%.

Which ETF is better, SEEM or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 104.83% vs 57.95% for SEEM. On fees, SEEM is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SEEM has been the lower-risk option at 8.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEEM or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 104.83% return vs 57.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEEM or FTHF?

SEEM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEEM or FTHF?

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 2.45% for SEEM.

What is the main difference between SEEM and FTHF?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SEEM and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.22 vs 2.95), 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.