FTHF ETF Overview: Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs Compared
The First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) selects constituents based on the Human Flourishing Index and applies value-based exclusionary screening that removes industries such as tobacco, alcohol, and gambling. Expense ratio, dividends, emerging-market exposure outlook, and comparisons with similar ETFs such as FNDE and FRDM serve as the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF?
It is an ETF that tracks companies in emerging markets meeting the criteria of the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. It provides value-based emerging-market equity exposure while excluding specific industries such as tobacco, alcohol, and gambling.
It is well suited for investors who want diversified exposure to emerging-market growth while applying value-based exclusionary screening.
The ETF is managed by First Trust using a passive (index-tracking) approach.
How Does the First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF Work?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index |
| Management Style | Passive (Index Tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Periodic Rebalancing |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly Dividends |
| Fund Manager | First Trust |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.75% |
The ETF tracks an index that selects emerging-market companies that sufficiently advance human flourishing, while excluding companies in specific industries such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and adult entertainment. It uses a full replication approach to hold all index constituents.
- Combines value-based exclusionary screening with emerging-market exposure
- Tracks a differentiated index that applies specific industry exclusions
First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF Size and Cost (AUM and Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $141.5M, with a total expense ratio of 0.75% per year.
Because it applies value-based screening relative to broad emerging-market ETFs, its holdings composition and fee structure differ accordingly.
First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF Performance and Flows
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangePerformance moves broadly in line with emerging-market equities, with short-term volatility driven by dollar strength, emerging-market currencies, and commodity price changes. Because of its value-screening characteristics, performance trends may diverge somewhat from broad benchmarks.
Fund flows are determined by demand for emerging-market equities and value-based investing, with shifts in global risk appetite and the dollar environment serving as the main drivers of flows across the broader emerging-market category.
First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF Strengths and Weaknesses
The combination of value-based exclusionary screening and emerging-market exposure is a key strength, while a somewhat higher expense ratio relative to the category average is a notable weakness.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products for the First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF
FNDE and PXH shown in the table are broad emerging-market ETFs using a fundamental-weighting approach, while FRDM is a value-screened emerging-market ETF that selects constituents based on freedom indicators, sharing a similar approach with FTHF. XSOE offers emerging-market exposure excluding state-owned enterprises, and EMGF provides factor-based emerging-market exposure. For lower fees, large core emerging-market ETFs such as VWO can also be considered.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FNDE | Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF | $42.65 | +0.3% | $10.5B | 0.39% | 3.48% | +19.0% |
 FRDM | Alpha Architect Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF | $70.83 | +1.1% | $3.6B | 0.49% | 1.55% | +61.2% |
 XSOE | WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund | $47.86 | +1.4% | $2.2B | 0.32% | 1.58% | +28.4% |
 PXH | Invesco RAFI Emerging Markets ETF | $29.86 | +0.5% | $2.1B | 0.47% | 4.09% | +17.2% |
 EMGF | iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF | $72.62 | +1.2% | $2.0B | 0.26% | 1.99% | +29.9% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKHY | SK Hynix Inc ADR | 0.19% | $190.07 | +0.9% | $1.39T | 12.3 | 0.26% |
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ADR | 0.08% | $433.24 | +1.2% | $2.25T | 31.3 | 0.96% |
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ADR | 0.08% | $433.24 | +1.2% | $2.25T | 31.3 | 0.96% |
| PBR-A | Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras ADR | 0.05% | $19.11 | -0.6% | $52.0B | 4.8 | 7.78% |
| ITUB | Itau Unibanco Holding SA ADR | 0.03% | $8.33 | +0.4% | $45.0B | 10.9 | 7.06% |
 GGAL | Grupo Financiero Galicia ADR | 0.03% | $43.86 | -1.9% | $5.8B | 58.6 | 1.48% |
| GFI | Gold Fields Ltd ADR | 0.02% | $45.10 | -1.3% | $40.4B | 9.2 | 4.96% |
| ITUB | Itau Unibanco Holding SA ADR | 0.03% | $8.33 | +0.4% | $45.0B | 10.9 | 7.06% |
 SBS | Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo ADR | 0.02% | $5.29 | -0.6% | $18.6B | 12.2 | 3.05% |
| GFI | Gold Fields Ltd ADR | 0.02% | $45.10 | -1.3% | $40.4B | 9.2 | 4.96% |
Investor Checklist for the First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF
Key points to review before investing in FTHF. It is important to verify emerging-market exposure, value-based exclusionary screening, fee level, and currency impact in advance, and understanding the differences from broad emerging-market ETFs can also be helpful.
| Checkpoint | What to Verify | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check fee level relative to category average | Somewhat on the higher side |
| 🌏 Emerging-Market Exposure | Review country and currency composition | Diversified |
| 🔎 Screening Criteria | Understand excluded industries and selection method | Value-based screening applied |
| 💱 Currency | Impact of dollar and emerging-market currency translation | Unhedged |
Currency, political, and liquidity risks unique to emerging-market equities are the main drivers of short-term volatility. Because value screening excludes certain names, performance may differ from broad benchmarks, and this should be factored in.
The ETF is a suitable choice for investors seeking both value-based exclusionary criteria and emerging-market diversification. If minimizing fees and pursuing simple broad exposure is the priority, a core emerging-market ETF such as VWO can serve as an alternative.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 26, 2026.
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