MFEM ETF — PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity (MFEM)

Updated October 16, 2026.

MFEM is an ETF. its distribution rate is 3.22%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.31%, its expense ratio is 0.49%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 70/100 (Generally safe). Total return is 90.0% over the past 9.1 years, 166.6 points behind SPY at 256.6%.

This ETF tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Index, holding at least 80% of its assets in emerging-market stocks selected through a rules-based approach that emphasizes value, low volatility, quality, and momentum factors. The fund offers a modest current distribution rate paid quarterly, with an expense ratio of 0.49%. It may appeal to income-focused investors seeking equity exposure to emerging markets with a multi-factor investing approach.

MFEM performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 90.0% over the past 9.1 years, 166.6 points behind SPY at 256.6%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 24.2%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 15.0%.

MFEM key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

70 · Generally safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.25%

Issuer

PIMCO

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

08/31/2017

Expense ratio

0.49%

Distribution rate

3.22%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.31%

Last close

$27.32 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$157,297,691

Average volume

10534.0

Dividend

$0.22

Ex-dividend date

10/01/2026

Payment date

10/05/2026

Beta

1.08

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (3.22%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (2.31%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: PIMCO; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

MFEM risks and drawbacks

MFEM's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 15.0%.

Who may consider MFEM — and who may not

MFEM may suit someone looking for moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (MFEM pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on MFEM

• All tickers starting with M

Tagged: Emerging Markets, International.

Frequently asked questions

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