AEMSX vs. ABEMX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AEMSX (abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc) and ABEMX (abrdn Emerging Markets Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds from Aberdeen. Over the past 10 years, AEMSX returned 10.26%/yr vs 10.41%/yr for ABEMX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AEMSX charges 1.25%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for ABEMX.

Performance

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc (AEMSX) and abrdn Emerging Markets Fund (ABEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AEMSX having a 33.25% return and ABEMX slightly higher at 33.29%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AEMSX having a 10.26% annualized return and ABEMX not far ahead at 10.41%.

AEMSX

• 1D: 2.82%
• 1M: 7.18%
• YTD: 33.25%
• 6M: 34.79%
• 1Y: 63.48%
• 3Y*: 21.49%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 10.26%

ABEMX

• 1D: 2.79%
• 1M: 7.16%
• YTD: 33.29%
• 6M: 34.81%
• 1Y: 63.69%
• 3Y*: 21.66%
• 5Y*: 8.30%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AEMSX abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc	33.25%	32.19%	3.81%	6.49%	-26.28%	7.03%	27.52%	20.24%	-14.71%	29.95%
ABEMX abrdn Emerging Markets Fund	33.29%	32.43%	3.98%	6.67%	-26.23%	7.15%	27.65%	20.42%	-14.65%	30.25%

Correlation

The correlation between AEMSX and ABEMX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	1.00

The correlation between AEMSX and ABEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AEMSX vs. ABEMX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AEMSX

AEMSX Risk / Return Rank: 89
AEMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
AEMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
AEMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
AEMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AEMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

ABEMX

ABEMX Risk / Return Rank: 89
ABEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
ABEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
ABEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ABEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
ABEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc (AEMSX) and abrdn Emerging Markets Fund (ABEMX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AEMSX	ABEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	2.94	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	3.57	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.55	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.59	4.61	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.19	17.28	-0.09

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AEMSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is comparable to the ABEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AEMSX and ABEMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AEMSX drawdown since its inception was -38.58%, smaller than the maximum ABEMX drawdown of -54.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AEMSX and ABEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AEMSX	ABEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.58%	-54.52%	+15.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.70%	-13.68%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.72%	-18.62%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.65%	-36.56%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.58%	-38.44%	-0.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-0.18%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.55%	-13.08%	+0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.65%	3.65%	0.00%

Volatility

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Volatility Comparison

abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc (AEMSX) and abrdn Emerging Markets Fund (ABEMX) have volatilities of 11.67% and 11.65%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AEMSX	ABEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	11.65%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.42%	19.38%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.53%	21.49%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.23%	19.21%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	18.93%	0.00%

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AEMSX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than ABEMX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

AEMSX vs. ABEMX - Dividend Comparison

AEMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, which matches ABEMX's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ABEMX abrdn Emerging Markets Fund	4.58%	6.11%	0.99%	1.42%	1.82%	22.95%	0.68%	1.85%	1.57%	1.32%	1.23%	2.47%
AEMSX abrdn Emerging Markets Instl Svc	4.61%	6.14%	0.95%	1.39%	1.83%	22.97%	0.68%	1.82%	1.57%	1.09%	1.08%	2.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AEMSX and ABEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, AEMSX and ABEMX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AEMSX or ABEMX?

AEMSX has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to ABEMX (11.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AEMSX dropped -38.58% vs ABEMX's -54.52%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ABEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.92), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.