SEEM vs. PEMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEEM (SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SEEM returned 52.60% vs 69.16% for PEMX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEEM charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

SEEM vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEEM achieves a 27.14% return, which is significantly lower than PEMX's 38.87% return.

SEEM

• 1D: -5.14%
• 1M: 3.27%
• YTD: 27.14%
• 6M: 28.59%
• 1Y: 52.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: -6.08%
• 1M: 6.67%
• YTD: 38.87%
• 6M: 41.13%
• 1Y: 69.16%
• 3Y*: 33.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEEM vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	27.14%	38.16%	-6.66%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	38.87%	34.01%	-2.39%

Correlation

The correlation between SEEM and PEMX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2024	0.85

The correlation between SEEM and PEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEEM vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 79
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 87
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

	SEEM	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.78	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.33	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.49	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	4.81	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.37	18.22	-3.85

SEEM vs. PEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the PEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEEM and PEMX, 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

SEEM vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEEM drawdown since its inception was -14.34%, roughly equal to the maximum PEMX drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEEM and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEEM	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-14.91%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-14.45%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.14%	-6.08%	+0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.67%	-2.85%	+0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	3.81%	-0.14%

Volatility

SEEM vs. PEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is 11.79%, while Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) has a volatility of 14.35%. This indicates that SEEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEEM	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.79%	14.35%	-2.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.00%	22.77%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.18%	25.00%	-2.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.11%	19.49%	+1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	19.49%	+1.62%

SEEM vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEEM has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEEM vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

SEEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than PEMX's 5.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.04%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.49%	3.31%	0.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEEM and PEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SEEM and PEMX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SEEM or PEMX?

PEMX has higher volatility (14.35%) compared to SEEM (11.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEEM dropped -14.34% vs PEMX's -14.91%.

Which ETF is better, SEEM or PEMX?

On 1-year performance, PEMX leads with 69.16% vs 52.60% for SEEM. On fees, SEEM is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SEEM has been the lower-risk option at 11.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEEM or PEMX?

Over the 1-year period, PEMX has performed better with a 69.16% return vs 52.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEEM or PEMX?

SEEM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

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

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.49% for SEEM.

What is the main difference between SEEM and PEMX?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SEEM and 0.85% for PEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.38), 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.