BBEM vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BBEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Morningstar Emerging Markets Target Market Exposure Index - Benchmark TR Net, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. BBEM is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, BBEM returned 45.68% vs 5.65% for VPLS. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BBEM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

BBEM vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBEM achieves a 23.17% return, which is significantly higher than VPLS's 0.90% return.

BBEM

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 23.17%
• 6M: 25.34%
• 1Y: 45.68%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BBEM vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.17%	32.43%	5.61%	5.10%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.90%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and VPLS is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.23

The correlation between BBEM and VPLS shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (all time) to 0.37 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

BBEM vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	BBEM	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.46	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.16	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.26	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	1.94	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.61	6.12	+6.50

BBEM vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBEM and VPLS, 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

BBEM vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBEM drawdown since its inception was -17.42%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBEM and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBEM	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.42%	-4.17%	-13.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.12%	-2.72%	-10.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-0.95%	-3.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-1.01%	-2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	0.86%	+2.63%

Volatility

BBEM vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) has a higher volatility of 10.58% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 1.28%. This indicates that BBEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBEM	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.58%	1.28%	+9.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.04%	2.75%	+16.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.07%	3.62%	+17.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.01%	4.60%	+13.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	4.60%	+13.41%

BBEM vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBEM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BBEM vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

BBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, which matches VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.74%	5.86%	2.73%	1.94%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBEM and VPLS in my portfolio?

BBEM and VPLS have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBEM or VPLS?

BBEM has higher volatility (10.58%) compared to VPLS (1.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBEM dropped -17.42% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, BBEM or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, BBEM leads with 45.68% vs 5.65% for VPLS. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBEM or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, BBEM has performed better with a 45.68% return vs 5.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBEM or VPLS?

BBEM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBEM or VPLS?

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 4.74% for BBEM.

What is the main difference between BBEM and VPLS?

BBEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BBEM and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.46), 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.