FEM vs VWO
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund compared with Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Index Fund ETF Shares on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FEM
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
VWO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- FEM yields more today: 2.26% vs 0.46% (forward).
- FEM has grown its payout faster: -1.1%/yr vs -20.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year FEM delivered the higher total return: +30.0% vs +19.5% (price change plus payouts).
- VWO is cheaper to own: 0.06% vs 0.80% expense ratio.
- FEM has the steadier distribution: consistency 38/100 vs 0/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FEM | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $33.57 | $61.23 |
| TTM yield | 2.13% | 0.57% |
| Forward yield | 2.26% | 0.46% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.76 | $0.284 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) | Sep 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% |
| 1-year payout growth | -14.2% | -74.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | -1.1% | -20.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 38/100 | 0/100 |
| 1-year total return | +30.0% | +19.5% |
| 1-year price return | +27.3% | +18.8% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 812.5M | 167.5B |
| Years paying | 15.2 | 20.7 |
| 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
| FEM | VWO | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 297.9 | 163.3 |
| Income per year | $226 | $46 |
| Income per month (avg) | $19 | $4 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEM Sep 24, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | $0.19 | Est. |
| FEM Dec 24, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.19 | Est. |
| FEM Mar 25, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.19 | Est. |
| VWO Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $0.071 | Est. |
| VWO Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.071 | Est. |
| VWO Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $0.071 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FEMVWO
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, FEM or VWO?
FEM currently has the higher trailing yield: FEM yields 2.13% and VWO yields 0.57%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FEM and VWO pay?
FEM pays every quarter and VWO pays every quarter. FEM's next ex-date is Sep 24, 2026 and VWO's is Sep 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FEM or VWO?
FEM has grown its payout faster: -1.1%/yr vs -20.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is FEM or VWO better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FEM and VWO 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.