The Top 5 Emerging Markets ETFs of 2023

During a year highlighted by the Magnificent Seven technology companies driving the performance of the broad market indexes, it was easy to overlook global markets. But as the following list illustrates, the emerging markets were not left in the dust in 2023.

Here are the 5 Best Performing Emerging Markets ETFs this year, through Dec. 26

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) 

YTD performance: 19.47% 

3-year annualized: -0.67% 

Assets: $35 million 

Expense ratio: 0.95% 

Inception date : 6/14/2016 

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) 

YTD performance: 20.78% 

3-year annualized: 5.26% 

Assets: $348.1 million 

Expense ratio: 0.7% 

Inception date : 8/16/2011 

Freedom 100 Emerging Market ETF (FRDM) 

YTD performance: 21.09% 

3-year annualized: 3.91% 

Assets: $751.8 million 

Expense ratio: 0.49% 

Inception date : 5/23/2019 

First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) 

YTD performance: 21.38% 

3-year annualized: 5.26% 

Assets: $35.2 million 

Expense ratio: 0.75% 

Inception date: 6/20/2017 

SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) 

YTD performance: 37.72% 

3-year annualized: 8.92% 

Assets: $342.5 million  

Expense ratio: 0.49% 

Inception date : 2/23/2011