EEM vs EMDM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
EMDM
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- EMDM yields more today: 1.64% vs 1.02% (forward).
- EMDM has grown its payout faster: 39.7%/yr vs -5.5%/yr over the last 1 year.
- EEM pays twice a year; EMDM pays every quarter.
- Over the last year EMDM delivered the higher total return: +69.0% vs +39.8% (price change plus payouts).
- EEM is cheaper to own: 0.72% vs 0.75% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | EMDM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $68.58 | $43.26 |
| TTM yield | 1.62% | 0.88% |
| Forward yield | 1.02% | 1.64% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $0.708 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.75% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | +39.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | 59/100 |
| 1-year total return | +39.8% | +69.0% |
| 1-year price return | +37.6% | +67.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.2B | 40.2M |
| Years paying | 22.7 | 3.2 |
| 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
| EEM | EMDM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 145.8 | 231.2 |
| Income per year | $102 | $164 |
| Income per month (avg) | $9 | $14 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EEM · Model EMDM
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEM Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EEM Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EMDM Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $0.177 | Est. |
| EMDM Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $0.177 | Est. |
| EMDM Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $0.177 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMEMDM
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, EEM or EMDM?
EEM currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.62% and EMDM yields 0.88%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and EMDM pay?
EEM pays twice a year and EMDM pays every quarter. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and EMDM's is Sep 24, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EEM or EMDM?
EMDM has grown its payout faster: 39.7%/yr vs -5.5%/yr over the last 1 year.
Is EEM or EMDM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and EMDM 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.