EEM vs FEMS
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
FEMS
First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- FEMS yields more today: 3.79% vs 1.02% (forward).
- EEM has grown its payout faster: 7.9%/yr vs 3.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
- EEM pays twice a year; FEMS pays every quarter.
- Over the last year EEM delivered the higher total return: +40.3% vs +11.6% (price change plus payouts).
- EEM is cheaper to own: 0.72% vs 0.80% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | FEMS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $68.83 | $46.95 |
| TTM yield | 1.62% | 4.11% |
| Forward yield | 1.02% | 3.79% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $1.78 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.80% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | +37.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | +3.6% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 3 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | 60/100 |
| 1-year total return | +40.3% | +11.6% |
| 1-year price return | +38.0% | +7.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.2B | 245.6M |
| Years paying | 22.7 | 14.2 |
| 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 | FEMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 145.3 | 213.0 |
| Income per year | $102 | $379 |
| Income per month (avg) | $8 | $32 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EEM · Model FEMS
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. |
| FEMS Sep 24, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | $0.445 | Est. |
| FEMS Dec 24, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.445 | Est. |
| FEMS Mar 25, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.445 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMFEMS
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 FEMS?
FEMS currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.62% and FEMS yields 4.11%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and FEMS pay?
EEM pays twice a year and FEMS pays every quarter. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and FEMS's is Sep 24, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EEM or FEMS?
EEM has grown its payout faster: 7.9%/yr vs 3.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is EEM or FEMS better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and FEMS 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.