DFEM vs EEM
Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF compared with iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
DFEM
Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
Quick take
- DFEM yields more today: 2.28% vs 1.02% (forward).
- DFEM has grown its payout faster: 9.9%/yr vs 7.6%/yr over the last 3 years.
- DFEM pays every quarter; EEM pays twice a year.
- Over the last year EEM delivered the higher total return: +40.3% vs +35.3% (price change plus payouts).
- DFEM is cheaper to own: 0.39% vs 0.72% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | DFEM | EEM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $41.00 | $68.83 |
| TTM yield | 1.81% | 1.62% |
| Forward yield | 2.28% | 1.02% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.936 | $0.702 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Semi-annual |
| Next ex-date | Sep 22, 2026 (est.) | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.39% | 0.72% |
| 1-year payout growth | +0.1% | -5.5% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | +7.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 51/100 | 50/100 |
| 1-year total return | +35.3% | +40.3% |
| 1-year price return | +32.9% | +38.0% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 9.6B | 31.2B |
| Years paying | 4.2 | 22.7 |
| Sector / category | Diversified Emerging Mkts | Diversified Emerging Mkts |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| DFEM | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 243.9 | 145.3 |
| Income per year | $228 | $102 |
| Income per month (avg) | $19 | $8 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model DFEM · Model EEM
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFEM Sep 22, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | $0.234 | Est. |
| DFEM Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 5, 2027 | $0.234 | Est. |
| DFEM Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 6, 2027 | $0.234 | Est. |
| EEM Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EEM Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.351 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
DFEMEEM
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, DFEM or EEM?
DFEM currently has the higher trailing yield: DFEM yields 1.81% and EEM yields 1.62%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do DFEM and EEM pay?
DFEM pays every quarter and EEM pays twice a year. DFEM's next ex-date is Sep 22, 2026 and EEM's is Dec 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, DFEM or EEM?
DFEM has grown its payout faster: 9.9%/yr vs 7.6%/yr over the last 3 years.
Is DFEM or EEM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. DFEM and EEM differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.