FTKI vs MFEM
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
MFEM has a lower expense ratio. MFEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFEM offers more diversification with 701 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | MFEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $26M | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.39% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 701 | |
| YTD Return | +13.41% | +21.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.70% | +33.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Aug 31, 2017 |
FTKI vs MFEM Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year FTKI returned +19.70% while MFEM returned +33.03%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.41% versus a gain of 21.04% for MFEM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -15.2% for FTKI and -45.3% for MFEM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.86% per year while MFEM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $49 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.39% against 2.39% for MFEM.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and MFEM share 0 holdings out of 647 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTKI or MFEM?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.86% while MFEM charges 0.49%. MFEM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or MFEM?
Over the past year FTKI returned +19.70% vs +33.03% for MFEM, so MFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTKI annualized +12.64% vs +6.77% for MFEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or MFEM?
MFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs MFEM -45.3%.
Should I hold both FTKI and MFEM?
FTKI and MFEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and MFEM?
FTKI and MFEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or MFEM?
FTKI yields 12.39% while MFEM yields 2.39%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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