The Freedom 100 Emerging Markets (FRDM) ETF is finally delivering on its promise after seven years. Launched by Perth Tolle as a way to invest in emerging markets based on freedom metrics rather than geography, the fund has achieved a five-year return exceeding 100%. That's five times better than the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and even outpaces the Nasdaq 100.

Tolle's approach filters out autocratic countries, directing capital toward nations with stronger human rights and economic freedom. The strategy was inspired by her childhood in China and the stark contrast she observed between restricted and open economies. The ETF's recent success validates her thesis that markets perform better where freedom is prioritized.

FRDM's methodology now attracts serious attention from investors who see the correlation between political freedom and market returns. The fund's performance demonstrates that exclusionary screening based on governance can outperform broad emerging market exposure. Tolle's journey from China to creating a top-performing ETF shows how personal experience can drive innovative investment strategies.