EEM vs RFEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with First Trust Active Factor Emerging Markets Fund on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
RFEM
First Trust Active Factor Emerging Markets Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- RFEM yields more today: 2.93% vs 1.13% (forward).
- RFEM has grown its payout faster: 12.9%/yr vs 7.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
- EEM pays twice a year; RFEM pays every quarter.
- EEM is cheaper to own: 0.72% vs 0.85% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | RFEM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $62.01 | $91.91 |
| TTM yield | 1.80% | 2.71% |
| Forward yield | 1.13% | 2.93% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $2.692 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Dec 24, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.85% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | +15.3% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | +12.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| 1-year total return | +18.2% | — |
| 1-year price return | +16.1% | — |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.1B | 83.7M |
| Years paying | 22.8 | 10.1 |
| 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 | RFEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 161.3 | 108.8 |
| Income per year | $113 | $293 |
| Income per month (avg) | $9 | $24 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EEM · Model RFEM
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. |
| RFEM Dec 24, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.673 | Est. |
| RFEM Mar 25, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.673 | Est. |
| RFEM Jun 24, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $0.673 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMRFEM
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 RFEM?
RFEM currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.80% and RFEM yields 2.71%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and RFEM pay?
EEM pays twice a year and RFEM pays every quarter. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and RFEM's is Dec 24, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EEM or RFEM?
RFEM has grown its payout faster: 12.9%/yr vs 7.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is EEM or RFEM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and RFEM 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.