REMG ETF: What Is It? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) is an actively managed emerging markets ETF centered on high-quality stocks in Taiwan, South Korea and China. This overview compares its dividends and fees with related ETFs such as IEMG and VWO, offering a useful reference for investors weighing the emerging markets outlook.
SubscribeWhat Is the Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF?
This ETF invests in large- and mid-cap emerging market stocks and uses an active stock selection strategy relative to its benchmark, incorporating ESG criteria. It holds a broad range of leading emerging market companies, including those in Taiwan, South Korea and China.
It suits investors who want diversified exposure to emerging market growth while also seeking the stock selection value of active management.
The ETF is managed by Russell Investments using an active management approach.
How Does the Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reference Benchmark | Bloomberg SASB Emerging Markets Large and Mid Cap ESG Index |
| Management Style | Active (stock selection relative to the benchmark) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Periodic rebalancing |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly dividends |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.64% |
While referencing the benchmark index, the fund uses an active strategy that excludes controversial stocks based on ESG criteria and selects large- and mid-cap emerging market stocks at the discretion of the management team. Taiwan, South Korea and China carry relatively high weightings.
- Applies criteria for excluding ESG-controversial stocks
- Seeks excess returns over the benchmark through active stock selection
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fees)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $110.6M, and the total expense ratio is 0.64% per year.
Because of active management, fees may differ from those of passive ETFs in the same category.
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe ETF moves in line with emerging market equities overall, and its large weighting in semiconductor and platform heavyweights means performance tends to depend on conditions in those industries. Volatility can increase when issues affecting a particular country or sector come to the fore.
Fund inflows vary with expectations for emerging market growth and global capital flows, and because this is an active ETF, management performance also influences flows. Shifts in the relative appeal of developed markets versus emerging markets also affect capital movements.
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Strengths and Weaknesses
Its strength is the pursuit of excess returns through active stock selection, while higher fees than passive funds and reliance on the management team's judgment are the main risk factors.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Alternatives and Related Products
Low-cost passive core ETFs such as IEMG and VWO, shown in the table, offer broad exposure to the entire emerging markets universe, whereas REMG stands apart with an active selection strategy that reflects ESG criteria. EEM has a relatively high expense ratio, while AVEM takes a factor-based approach. Investors who want emerging market exposure but wish to reduce their China weighting can also consider ex-China ETFs such as EMXC, and those seeking broader international diversification can look at ETFs that include both developed and emerging markets.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $74.38 | +0.2% | $145.9B | 0.09% | 2.42% | +8.9% |
 VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | $55.70 | +0.3% | $117.5B | 0.06% | 2.18% | +1.3% |
 EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $61.11 | +0.1% | $28.2B | 0.72% | 1.82% | +10.5% |
 AVEM | Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF | $85.98 | -0.1% | $26.7B | 0.33% | 2.79% | +10.9% |
 EMXC | IShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF | $89.70 | +0.0% | $25.4B | 0.25% | 2.14% | +24.1% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ADR | 0.23% | $398.63 | -1.9% | $2.07T | 25.7 | 1.05% |
| SKHY | SK Hynix Inc ADR | 0.08% | $147.71 | -1.0% | $1.08T | 9.6 | 1.52% |
| BABA | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ADR | 0.03% | $101.50 | +3.5% | $252.5B | 23.9 | 1.1% |
| HDB | HDFC Bank Ltd ADR | 0.02% | $22.70 | +2.3% | $116.7B | 13.5 | 1.89% |
 PASW | Ping An Biomedical Co Ltd | 0.01% | $4.68 | -8.6% | $13.2M | - | - |
| GFI | Gold Fields Ltd ADR | 0.01% | $34.77 | +5.6% | $30.8B | 7.1 | 6.02% |
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in REMG. It is worth confirming in advance the characteristics of active management and concentrated emerging market exposure, and it is also wise to examine how the fund differs from comparable passive ETFs.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Compare with comparable passive ETFs | Reflects an active management premium |
| 🌏 Country Weightings | Trends in weightings of top countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and China | Concentrated in certain countries |
| 📊 Active Performance | Whether it delivers excess returns over the benchmark | Depends on management judgment |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact on returns when converted to Korean won | Currency hedge not applied |
Country and stock concentration, currency fluctuations and variability in active management performance are the main risk factors. Investors should also be mindful of the policy and currency risks unique to emerging markets, and consider the possibility of heightened volatility caused by geopolitical issues.
The ETF is worth considering for those who want active emerging market investing that reflects ESG criteria, while alternatives such as IEMG and VWO exist for those who prioritize low-cost passive exposure. What matters is choosing the option that fits your investment goals.
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 July 2, 2026.
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