BBEM vs. XCEM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - BBEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Target Market Exposure Index - Benchmark TR Net while XCEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BBEM returned 17.55%/yr vs 20.20%/yr for XCEM. Their correlation of 0.90 means they have usually moved in the same direction. BBEM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

BBEM vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBEM achieves a 17.16% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 23.54% return.

BBEM

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -2.28%
• 6M: 9.39%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 1Y: 34.07%
• 3Y*: 17.55%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 18.69%

XCEM

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: -6.40%
• 6M: 13.73%
• YTD: 23.54%
• 1Y: 44.82%
• 3Y*: 20.20%
• 5Y*: 10.30%
• 10Y*: 10.60%
• ALL TIME*: 11.31%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	$4.42M	$2.79M	$2.95M
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	$6.73M	$7.60M	$9.71M

BBEM vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	17.16%	32.43%	5.61%	6.01%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	23.54%	34.05%	0.42%	12.23%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and XCEM is 0.95, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2023	0.90

The correlation between BBEM and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

BBEM vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBEM	XCEM
Technology	25.0%	50.4%
Financial Services	12.2%	17.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	4.6%
Communication Services	4.6%	3.2%
Basic Materials	3.5%	5.2%
Industrials	3.2%	9.6%
Energy	1.8%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.6%	1.8%
Utilities	1.5%	1.8%
Healthcare	1.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	0.6%	0.9%

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 62
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 71
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

BBEM vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.67	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	2.20	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.31	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	2.42	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.64	8.62	-0.98

BBEM vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBEM and XCEM, 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. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBEM drawdown since its inception was -17.42%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBEM and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBEM	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.42%	-41.24%	+23.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.37%	-18.20%	+4.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	-18.92%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.57%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.54%	-13.77%	+4.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.84%	-8.58%	+4.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.37%	5.09%	-0.72%

Volatility

BBEM vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) is 8.89%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 10.10%. This indicates that BBEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XCEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBEM	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.89%	10.10%	-1.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.92%	24.69%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.91%	26.35%	-2.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.86%	19.10%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.86%	20.11%	-1.25%

BBEM vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBEM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than XCEM's 0.16% 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. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

BBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.95%, more than XCEM's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.95%	5.86%	2.73%	1.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.63%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBEM and XCEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, BBEM and XCEM 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, BBEM or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (10.10%) compared to BBEM (8.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBEM dropped -17.42% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, BBEM or XCEM?

On 3-year performance, XCEM leads with 20.20% vs 17.55% for BBEM. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BBEM has been the lower-risk option at 8.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBEM or XCEM?

Over the 3-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 20.20% return vs 17.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBEM or XCEM?

BBEM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for XCEM.

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

BBEM has the higher dividend yield at 4.95%, compared with 2.63% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between BBEM and XCEM?

BBEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Target Market Exposure Index - Benchmark TR Net, while XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Columbia. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BBEM and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.40), 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.