TDEC vs. FDEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) and FDEM (Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets, while FDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, TDEC returned 20.35% vs 36.64% for FDEM. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TDEC charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDEM.

Performance

TDEC vs. FDEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) and Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TDEC achieves a 7.66% return, which is significantly lower than FDEM's 18.08% return.

TDEC

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 7.66%
• 6M: 8.74%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDEM

• 1D: -5.08%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 18.08%
• 6M: 19.00%
• 1Y: 36.64%
• 3Y*: 22.34%
• 5Y*: 8.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

TDEC vs. FDEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	7.66%	21.39%	-0.75%
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	18.08%	26.75%	-1.41%

Correlation

The correlation between TDEC and FDEM 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 Dec 23, 2024	0.86

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

Return for Risk

TDEC vs. FDEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 65
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 79
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FDEM

FDEM Risk / Return Rank: 59
FDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

TDEC vs. FDEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) and Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM). 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.

	TDEC	FDEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.85	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.42	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.35	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.90	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	10.86	-0.05

TDEC vs. FDEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the FDEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDEC and FDEM, 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

TDEC vs. FDEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDEC drawdown since its inception was -10.30%, smaller than the maximum FDEM drawdown of -33.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDEC and FDEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDEC	FDEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.30%	-33.65%	+23.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.16%	-12.70%	+4.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-5.09%	+2.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.05%	-8.80%	+7.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	3.38%	-1.49%

Volatility

TDEC vs. FDEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) is 4.52%, while Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) has a volatility of 11.27%. This indicates that TDEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDEC	FDEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	11.27%	-6.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	18.06%	-8.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	19.86%	-9.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.03%	16.72%	-4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.03%	18.23%	-6.20%

TDEC vs. FDEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

TDEC has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than FDEM's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

TDEC vs. FDEM - Dividend Comparison

TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	2.96%	3.23%	4.05%	4.41%	3.95%	2.71%	1.84%	2.39%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDEC and FDEM in my portfolio?

TDEC and FDEM 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, TDEC or FDEM?

FDEM has higher volatility (11.27%) compared to TDEC (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDEC dropped -10.30% vs FDEM's -33.65%.

Which ETF is better, TDEC or FDEM?

On 1-year performance, FDEM leads with 36.64% vs 20.35% for TDEC. On fees, FDEM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDEC or FDEM?

Over the 1-year period, FDEM has performed better with a 36.64% return vs 20.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDEC or FDEM?

FDEM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TDEC or FDEM?

FDEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between TDEC and FDEM?

TDEC is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FDEM is Emerging Markets Equities. TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets, while FDEM tracks Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TDEC and 0.45% for FDEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.85), 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.