FEMS vs IEMG
First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund compared with iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FEMS
First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
IEMG
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
Quick take
- FEMS yields more today: 3.79% vs 1.57% (forward).
- IEMG has grown its payout faster: 8.5%/yr vs 3.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
- FEMS pays every quarter; IEMG pays twice a year.
- Over the last year IEMG delivered the higher total return: +37.7% vs +11.6% (price change plus payouts).
- IEMG is cheaper to own: 0.09% vs 0.80% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FEMS | IEMG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $46.95 | $83.70 |
| TTM yield | 4.11% | 2.15% |
| Forward yield | 3.79% | 1.57% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.78 | $1.316 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Semi-annual |
| Next ex-date | Sep 24, 2026 (est.) | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% |
| 1-year payout growth | +37.6% | -4.1% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +3.6% | +8.5% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 3 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 60/100 | 64/100 |
| 1-year total return | +11.6% | +37.7% |
| 1-year price return | +7.2% | +34.8% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 245.6M | 160.9B |
| Years paying | 14.2 | 13.7 |
| 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
| FEMS | IEMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 213.0 | 119.5 |
| Income per year | $379 | $157 |
| Income per month (avg) | $32 | $13 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model FEMS · Model IEMG
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| IEMG Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.658 | Est. |
| IEMG Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.658 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FEMSIEMG
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, FEMS or IEMG?
FEMS currently has the higher trailing yield: FEMS yields 4.11% and IEMG yields 2.15%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FEMS and IEMG pay?
FEMS pays every quarter and IEMG pays twice a year. FEMS's next ex-date is Sep 24, 2026 and IEMG's is Dec 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FEMS or IEMG?
IEMG has grown its payout faster: 8.5%/yr vs 3.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is FEMS or IEMG better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FEMS and IEMG 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.