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First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
07/03/2025: RFEM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 23.33% | Avg. Invested days 66 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1 | 52 Weeks Range 57.23 - 71.51 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 57.23 - 71.51 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) is an actively managed ETF focused on providing exposure to equity securities of emerging market countries. The ETF utilizes a dynamic asset allocation strategy, adjusting its holdings based on macroeconomic conditions and relative valuations to seek long-term capital appreciation.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF provider known for its innovative and actively managed strategies.
Management Expertise
RiverFront Investment Group, a registered investment advisor, provides sub-advisory services for RFEM, bringing their expertise in macroeconomic analysis and dynamic asset allocation to the ETF.
Investment Objective
Goal
To seek long-term capital appreciation.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF employs an active investment strategy that dynamically adjusts its exposure to emerging markets based on various factors, including macroeconomic trends and relative valuations.
Composition RFEM primarily invests in equity securities of companies located in emerging market countries. The ETF may also invest in derivatives and other investment vehicles to achieve its investment objective.
Market Position
Market Share: RFEM's market share within the emerging markets ETF space is relatively small compared to larger, passively managed ETFs.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 59500000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)
- iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG)
- Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE)
Competitive Landscape
The emerging markets ETF landscape is highly competitive, dominated by passively managed, low-cost ETFs from major providers. RFEM differentiates itself through its active management and dynamic asset allocation, which aims to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indices. However, this approach also carries higher fees and the risk of underperformance relative to its benchmark.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be obtained from reliable financial sources and presented over various time periods (e.g., 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, and since inception).
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index to assess its effectiveness in generating alpha.
Expense Ratio: 0.099
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
RFEM's average trading volume is moderate, suggesting reasonable liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread can fluctuate depending on market conditions and trading volume.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth rates in emerging markets, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risks, and changes in commodity prices can all significantly impact RFEM's performance.
Growth Trajectory
The growth trajectory of RFEM will depend on its ability to effectively navigate the complexities of emerging markets and deliver consistent outperformance through its dynamic asset allocation strategy.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
RFEM's competitive edge lies in its active management and dynamic asset allocation strategy, which seeks to capitalize on macroeconomic trends and relative valuations within emerging markets. This approach aims to outperform passively managed ETFs, although it comes with higher fees. RiverFront Investment Group's expertise in macroeconomic analysis and active portfolio management contributes to the ETF's potential for generating alpha. However, the success of this strategy depends on the manager's ability to accurately predict market movements and adapt to changing conditions. The small AUM offers flexibility, but liquidity may be lower than larger peers.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
RFEM's volatility is expected to be high due to the inherent risks associated with emerging markets, including political instability, currency fluctuations, and economic uncertainty.
Market Risk
RFEM is subject to market risk, meaning that the value of its holdings can fluctuate based on overall market conditions and investor sentiment towards emerging markets.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
RFEM is suitable for investors who are seeking exposure to emerging markets and are comfortable with active management and a higher level of risk. Investors should have a long-term investment horizon and be willing to tolerate potential volatility.
Market Risk
RFEM may be suitable for long-term investors who are looking for potential capital appreciation and are willing to accept the risks associated with emerging markets and active management.
Summary
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) offers investors actively managed exposure to emerging market equities, employing a dynamic asset allocation strategy. The ETF aims for long-term capital appreciation by adjusting holdings based on macroeconomic conditions and valuations. However, the higher expense ratio and reliance on active management mean it carries risks of underperformance versus passive ETFs. RFEM is suitable for risk-tolerant investors seeking potential outperformance in emerging markets through active management.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in ETFs involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of emerging market companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of real estate investment trusts, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such emerging market companies are denominated. The fund may invest in small, mid and large capitalization companies.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.