Skip to main content
FEMS logo

First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) Fund Overview

Educational signal · not a buy or sell recommendation · How to read this

$46.09 +$1.31 (+2.92%)
Vol: 10.9K|

Beta 0.69: the stock has moved about 31% less than the S&P 500.

Data from FMP · Methodology

For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Machine-generated analysis by Stock Expert AI — model gemini-2.0-flash, generated Mar 18, 2026. Editorial oversight is systemic, not page-by-page. Editorially accountable: Sedat ANAK, Founder and Editor-in-Chief. Data sources: Financial Modeling Prep, Yahoo Finance, SEC EDGAR

Quick Answer

First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) trades at $46.09. First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) is an exchange-traded fund that aims to replicate the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. Sector: Financials.

Price as of · Last analyzed: Mar 18, 2026
First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) is an exchange-traded fund that aims to replicate the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. The fund focuses on small-cap companies within emerging markets, utilizing the AlphaDEX methodology.

Analyst Coverage for FEMS: FEMS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage.

▶ Watch the FEMS film Every key number, told as a short cinematic story — just press play. ~2 min

First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) Financial Services Profile

IPO Year2012

First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) offers investors exposure to emerging market small-cap equities through a unique AlphaDEX methodology, distinguishing it from traditional market-cap weighted ETFs. With a beta of 0.69 and a focus on growth potential, FEMS operates within the competitive asset management landscape.

Data Provenance | Financial Data Quantitative Analysis Analysis: Mar 18, 2026

What Is the Investment Thesis for FEMS?

AI-written as of Mar 18, 2026 — figures and tone reflect the data available then, not today's score.

FEMS presents a targeted investment vehicle for those seeking exposure to emerging market small-cap equities, differentiated by its AlphaDEX methodology. With a market capitalization of $0.27 billion and a beta of 0.69, FEMS offers a potentially less volatile entry point into this asset class. The fund's success hinges on the continued growth of emerging economies and the ability of its AlphaDEX strategy to identify outperformers within the small-cap segment. Key catalysts include increasing foreign investment in emerging markets and the rising disposable incomes of consumers in these regions. However, investors should be aware of the risks associated with emerging markets, including political instability and currency fluctuations. The absence of a dividend yield may deter some investors, but the focus remains on capital appreciation through strategic stock selection.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

FEMS Key Highlights

AI-written as of Mar 18, 2026 — figures and tone reflect the data available then, not today's score.

Market Cap of $0.27B indicates a small-cap fund focused on emerging markets.

  • Beta of 0.69 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market.
  • The fund tracks the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, utilizing a unique stock selection methodology.
  • FEMS provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of small-cap companies across various emerging market countries.
  • Absence of a dividend yield indicates a focus on capital appreciation rather than income generation.

Who Are FEMS's Competitors?

FEMS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

Company Price Change Market Cap MoonshotScore
DINT Davis Select International ETF $28.18 +0.93% $263M —
FEP First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund $56.04 +0.83% $482M —
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund $78.65 -1.07% $267M —
FNK First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund $59.93 +0.41% $209M —
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund $58.80 +0.66% $205M —
BLK BlackRock, Inc. $1066.45 +0.64% $165B 51 5-pillar
BX Blackstone Inc. $112.52 +0.69% $136B 68 5-pillar
APOS Apollo Global Management, Inc. $25.59 0.00% $74.8B 56 5-pillar

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are FEMS's Key Strengths?

Unique AlphaDEX methodology for stock selection.

  • Exposure to high-growth potential emerging markets.
  • Diversified portfolio of small-cap companies.
  • ETF structure provides liquidity and transparency.

What Are FEMS's Weaknesses?

Focus on small-cap companies can lead to higher volatility.

  • Emerging markets are subject to political and economic risks.
  • Absence of a dividend yield may deter some investors.
  • Performance is dependent on the success of the AlphaDEX strategy.

What Are the Key Risks for FEMS?

Economic downturns in key emerging market countries, negatively impacting company performance.

  • Political instability and policy changes in emerging markets, creating uncertainty for investors.
  • Currency fluctuations can erode returns for US-based investors.
  • Increased competition from other ETFs and investment funds, potentially leading to lower AUM.

What Are FEMS's Competitive Advantages?

  • AlphaDEX Methodology: The fund's unique stock selection and weighting methodology aims to enhance returns compared to traditional market-cap weighted ETFs.
  • Established Brand: First Trust is a well-known and respected asset management firm with a strong track record.
  • ETF Structure: The ETF structure provides liquidity, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.

What Does FEMS Do?

The First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to track the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. Launched to provide investors with a strategic approach to accessing the emerging markets small-cap segment, FEMS differentiates itself through its AlphaDEX methodology, which selects and weights stocks based on growth factors. Unlike traditional market-cap weighted ETFs, FEMS aims to enhance returns by identifying companies with strong growth potential. The fund's portfolio consists of small-cap companies located in various emerging market countries. These companies span multiple sectors, providing diversification within the emerging markets landscape. FEMS offers a way for investors to participate in the growth of emerging economies through smaller, potentially higher-growth companies. The fund's performance is closely tied to the economic conditions and market sentiment within these emerging markets. As an ETF, FEMS offers liquidity and transparency, allowing investors to easily buy and sell shares on the open market. The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors L.P., a well-established asset management firm known for its innovative ETF offerings.

What Products and Services Does FEMS Offer?

  • Invests in small-cap companies located in emerging markets.
  • Tracks the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Emerging Markets Small Cap Index.
  • Utilizes the AlphaDEX methodology to select and weight stocks based on growth factors.
  • Provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies across various sectors.
  • Offers a way for investors to participate in the growth of emerging economies.
  • Trades on the open market like a stock, providing liquidity and transparency.

How Does FEMS Make Money?

  • Generates revenue through management fees charged on assets under management (AUM).
  • Aims to outperform traditional market-cap weighted ETFs through its AlphaDEX strategy.
  • Provides investors with a convenient and cost-effective way to access emerging market small-cap equities.

What Industry Does FEMS Operate In?

The asset management industry is highly competitive, with numerous ETFs and mutual funds vying for investor capital. FEMS operates within the emerging markets segment, which is characterized by higher growth potential but also greater volatility. The fund's AlphaDEX methodology aims to differentiate it from competitors by actively selecting stocks based on growth factors. The growth of the emerging markets asset management industry is driven by increasing globalization and the rising wealth of individuals in developing countries. However, the industry is also subject to regulatory changes and economic cycles that can impact fund performance.

Who Are FEMS's Key Customers?

  • Individual investors seeking exposure to emerging market small-cap equities.
  • Institutional investors looking for a strategic approach to investing in emerging markets.
  • Financial advisors who recommend ETFs to their clients.
Model self-rating on this text: 71% (not a measure of the evidence) Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Research confidence

Low

Thin evidence — scoring coverage unknown. Treat this as a starting point, not a conclusion.

  • ● Scoring coverage unknown
  • ● Price is current
  • ● No filing on record
  • ● No analyst coverage
  • ● This is an etf, not an operating company

MoonshotScore History

Recorded daily since 2026-08-23 · 42 snapshots

2026-08-23 47
2026-08-31 47
2026-09-08 47
2026-09-16 47
2026-09-24 47
2026-10-04 47
2026-10-05 47

What changed?

The score has stayed at 47.

Over the same 30 days the stock moved -1.8%.

FEMS Financials

Bull Case vs Bear Case

Bull Case

  • Unique AlphaDEX methodology for stock selection.
  • Exposure to high-growth potential emerging markets.
  • Diversified portfolio of small-cap companies.
  • ETF structure provides liquidity and transparency.

Bear Case

  • Focus on small-cap companies can lead to higher volatility.
  • Emerging markets are subject to political and economic risks.
  • Absence of a dividend yield may deter some investors.
  • Performance is dependent on the success of the AlphaDEX strategy.

AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026

FEMS Latest News

FEMS Analyst Consensus

Consensus Rating

Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations collected by Financial Modeling Prep for FEMS.

Price Targets

Wall Street price target analysis for FEMS.

FEMS MoonshotScore

MoonshotScore is Stock Expert AI's proprietary 0-100 research rating, not a buy or sell recommendation. No MoonshotScore is published for FEMS; grades run from A+ (80-100) to F (below 30).

What Investors Ask About First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) — Financials

What are the main risks for FEMS?

The main risks for FEMS are inherent to investing in emerging market small-cap equities. These include economic risks such as slower-than-expected growth, currency fluctuations that can erode returns for US-based investors, and political instability that can disrupt business operations.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

Official Resources

Price as of Analysis updated

MoonshotScore is not published for this security.

Data Sources & Methodology
Figures come from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP). If FMP has no figure for a ticker, a price or fundamental may come from a Yahoo Finance fallback, or a price from an Alpaca fallback. SEC EDGAR is used only for filing links and company identity details (legal name, address), never for figures. AI analysis by Stock Expert AI proprietary algorithms. Technical indicators via industry-standard calculations. Last updated: .
Data Provenance
Sources: Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) — Primary · Yahoo Finance — Fallback · Alpaca — Tertiary
Last fetched:
Cache TTL: Quote 5min · Profile 7d · Financials 7d · Insider 48h
How we use AI: Numbers are pulled directly from FMP & Yahoo Finance — our AI writes the analysis, it never edits the figures.
Data provided as-is for educational purposes. Not financial advice. Methodology

Data provided for informational purposes only.

Analysis Notes
  • Emerging markets are inherently volatile and subject to economic and political risks.
Data Sources
Financial Modeling Prep (FMP)Stock Expert AI proprietary analysis