TEMZX vs. HLFMX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

TEMZX (Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund) and HLFMX (Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, TEMZX returned 6.93%/yr vs 3.85%/yr for HLFMX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TEMZX charges 1.50%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for HLFMX.

Performance

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (TEMZX) and Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund (HLFMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TEMZX achieves a 9.89% return, which is significantly higher than HLFMX's 2.24% return. Over the past 10 years, TEMZX has outperformed HLFMX with an annualized return of 6.93%, while HLFMX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.85% annualized return.

TEMZX

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.52%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 6M: 10.55%
• 1Y: 14.14%
• 3Y*: 12.28%
• 5Y*: 4.03%
• 10Y*: 6.93%

HLFMX

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 2.24%
• 6M: 3.25%
• 1Y: 12.46%
• 3Y*: 11.53%
• 5Y*: 4.03%
• 10Y*: 3.85%

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

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TEMZX Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	9.89%	10.91%	7.92%	13.57%	-18.99%	23.64%	9.92%	5.80%	-14.72%	31.60%
HLFMX Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund	2.24%	16.95%	8.76%	10.43%	-18.91%	10.18%	0.11%	10.88%	-15.45%	25.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TEMZX and HLFMX is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2008	0.66

The correlation between TEMZX and HLFMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TEMZX vs. HLFMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TEMZX

TEMZX Risk / Return Rank: 19
TEMZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
TEMZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
TEMZX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
TEMZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
TEMZX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

HLFMX

HLFMX Risk / Return Rank: 15
HLFMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
HLFMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
HLFMX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
HLFMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
HLFMX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (TEMZX) and Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund (HLFMX). 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.

	TEMZX	HLFMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	1.08	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	1.67	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.21	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.14	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.14	3.20	+1.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TEMZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is comparable to the HLFMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TEMZX and HLFMX, 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

	TEMZX	HLFMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	1.08	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.39	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.32	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.08	+0.26

Drawdowns

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TEMZX drawdown since its inception was -69.98%, which is greater than HLFMX's maximum drawdown of -63.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TEMZX and HLFMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TEMZX	HLFMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.98%	-63.95%	-6.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.50%	-11.09%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.02%	-11.79%	-4.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.26%	-28.37%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.59%	-46.61%	-1.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-7.12%	+6.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.72%	-19.25%	+6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	3.95%	-1.07%

Volatility

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Volatility Comparison

Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (TEMZX) has a higher volatility of 4.76% compared to Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund (HLFMX) at 3.71%. This indicates that TEMZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HLFMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TEMZX	HLFMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	3.71%	+1.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.57%	10.20%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.24%	11.71%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.74%	10.48%	+3.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.33%	11.91%	+2.42%

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TEMZX has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is lower than HLFMX's 1.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

TEMZX vs. HLFMX - Dividend Comparison

TEMZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, less than HLFMX's 3.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HLFMX Harding Loevner Frontier Emerging Markets Fund	3.48%	3.56%	1.88%	1.77%	2.28%	0.83%	1.61%	1.97%	1.34%	1.90%	1.01%	1.13%
TEMZX Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	1.26%	1.39%	0.52%	3.14%	8.03%	10.93%	2.81%	1.82%	2.86%	0.12%	2.02%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TEMZX and HLFMX in my portfolio?

TEMZX and HLFMX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TEMZX or HLFMX?

TEMZX has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to HLFMX (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TEMZX dropped -69.98% vs HLFMX's -63.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TEMZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 1.08), 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.