I don't have a strong opinion on AEMGX vs. EEM, but to avoid confusing novice investors: AJWells is 100% right, and Jagor is 100% wrong.  A distribution paid out from a mutual fund is not free money.  It comes straight out of the NAV and therefore has no direct impact on total returns in a non-taxable account.  In a taxable account, high distributions result in a higher tax liability and therefore lower long-term returns.  In neither case are high distribuitons beneficial to fund investors.  

Best,
Oildog