A side-by-side comparison of First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX® Fund (FEM) and ESGE (ESGE) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | FEM | ESGE |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +0.73% | +34.15%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -0.38% | +22.14%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -1.21% | +20.59%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -2.79% | +1.65%✓ |
| Current Price | $32.09 | $54.20 |
| AUM | $808M | — |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0.8% | — |
| Dividend Yield | 2.16% | — |
| Distribution Frequency | NA | — |
| Inception Date | 2011-04-18 | — |
| Holdings Count | 48 | — |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★★ | — |
| Category | Diversified Emerging Mkts | — |
| Beta | 0.78 | — |
| 52-Week High | $35.09 | — |
| 52-Week Low | $25.25 | — |
| 50-Day MA | $32.42 | — |
| 200-Day MA | $31.17 | — |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | FEM | ESGE |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +0.73% | +34.15%✓ |
| 1 Year | +25.31% | — |
| 3 Year | +19.18% | — |
| 5 Year | +8.22% | — |
| 10 Year | +8.42% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 18.11% | — |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 0.99 | — |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | FEM | ESGE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 8.78% | — |
| Communication Services | 3.99% | — |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 4.81% | — |
| Consumer Defensive | 3.06% | — |
| Energy | 14.33% | — |
| Financial Services | 6.09% | — |
| Healthcare | 2.56% | — |
| Industrials | 19.39% | — |
| Real Estate | 2.30% | — |
| Technology | 28.81% | — |
| Utilities | 5.87% | — |
About FEM
The fund will normally invest at least 90% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities that comprise the index. The index is designed to select stocks from the NASDAQ Emerging Markets Index (the base index) that may generate positive alpha, or risk-adjusted returns, relative to traditional indices through the use of the AlphaDEX® selection methodology.
About ESGE
ESGE (ESGE.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the TO. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both FEM and ESGE are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, ESGE scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FEM and ESGE?
FEM (First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX® Fund) and ESGE (ESGE) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($808M vs —), dividend yield (2.16% vs N/A), and year-to-date performance (+0.73% vs +34.15%).
Is FEM better than ESGE?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy FEM and ESGE on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both FEM and ESGE should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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