BBEM vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China 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 XCEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BBEM returned 23.54%/yr vs 26.90%/yr for XCEM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. 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 28.71% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 40.07% return.

BBEM

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 10.89%
• YTD: 28.71%
• 6M: 31.96%
• 1Y: 56.44%
• 3Y*: 23.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XCEM

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 13.69%
• YTD: 40.07%
• 6M: 46.60%
• 1Y: 73.68%
• 3Y*: 26.90%
• 5Y*: 12.48%
• 10Y*: 13.13%

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

BBEM vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	28.71%	32.43%	5.61%	6.01%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	40.07%	34.05%	0.42%	13.44%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and XCEM is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2023	0.89

The correlation between BBEM and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

BBEM vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBEM	XCEM
Technology	36.5%	1.1%
Financial Services	19.0%	7.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	1.1%
Industrials	8.1%	0.4%
Communication Services	6.7%	4.2%
Basic Materials	6.2%	0.7%
Energy	4.2%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	0.3%
Healthcare	2.8%	0.1%
Utilities	2.5%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.0%

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 84
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 91
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. 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.

	BBEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	3.55	-0.64
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	4.41	-0.59
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.63	-0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	5.17	-0.78
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.36	20.94	-3.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BBEM vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is comparable to the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.55. 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BBEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.92	3.55	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	0.64	+0.72

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	-13.12%	-14.46%	+1.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	-18.92%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.67%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-8.60%	+4.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	3.57%	-0.25%

Volatility

BBEM vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) is 8.40%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 9.25%. 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	8.40%	9.25%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.14%	18.68%	-1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.44%	20.84%	-1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.49%	17.74%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	19.72%	-2.23%

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 4.53%, more than XCEM's 2.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.53%	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	2.32%	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 0.93, 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 (9.25%) compared to BBEM (8.40%). 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 26.90% vs 23.54% for BBEM. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BBEM has been the lower-risk option at 8.40%. 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 26.90% return vs 23.54%. 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 4.53%, compared with 2.32% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between BBEM and XCEM?

BBEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while XCEM is Emerging Markets Equities. 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 Ameriprise Financial. 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 (3.55 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.