BEMB vs. SCYB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BEMB (Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF) and SCYB (Schwab High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BEMB is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by iShares, while SCYB is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index. BEMB is actively managed, while SCYB is passively managed. Over the past year, BEMB returned 9.29% vs 6.69% for SCYB. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BEMB charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCYB.

Performance

BEMB vs. SCYB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BEMB achieves a 1.68% return, which is significantly lower than SCYB's 1.92% return.

BEMB

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 1.31%
• YTD: 1.68%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 9.29%
• 3Y*: 8.50%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCYB

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 1.92%
• 6M: 2.07%
• 1Y: 6.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BEMB vs. SCYB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	1.68%	12.27%	5.51%	6.90%
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	1.92%	8.33%	8.15%	7.29%

Correlation

The correlation between BEMB and SCYB is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 11, 2023	0.78

The correlation between BEMB and SCYB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BEMB vs. SCYB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BEMB

BEMB Risk / Return Rank: 66
BEMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
BEMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BEMB Omega Ratio Rank: 73
BEMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
BEMB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

SCYB

SCYB Risk / Return Rank: 59
SCYB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SCYB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SCYB Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SCYB Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SCYB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BEMB vs. SCYB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). 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.

	BEMB	SCYB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.77	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	2.66	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.35	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	2.75	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	12.23	-1.31

BEMB vs. SCYB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BEMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the SCYB Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BEMB and SCYB, 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

BEMB vs. SCYB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BEMB drawdown since its inception was -6.17%, which is greater than SCYB's maximum drawdown of -4.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BEMB and SCYB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BEMB	SCYB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-4.92%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.67%	-2.44%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.15%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.93%	-0.51%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	0.55%	+0.30%

Volatility

BEMB vs. SCYB - Volatility Comparison

Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB) has a higher volatility of 1.34% compared to Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB) at 1.00%. This indicates that BEMB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCYB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BEMB	SCYB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.34%	1.00%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.59%	3.02%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.35%	3.79%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.87%	5.12%	+0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.87%	5.12%	+0.75%

BEMB vs. SCYB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BEMB has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than SCYB's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BEMB vs. SCYB - Dividend Comparison

BEMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.85%, which matches SCYB's 6.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	6.85%	6.88%	6.31%	5.46%
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	6.91%	6.99%	7.06%	3.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BEMB and SCYB in my portfolio?

BEMB and SCYB have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BEMB or SCYB?

BEMB has higher volatility (1.34%) compared to SCYB (1.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BEMB dropped -6.17% vs SCYB's -4.92%.

Which ETF is better, BEMB or SCYB?

On 1-year performance, BEMB leads with 9.29% vs 6.69% for SCYB. On fees, SCYB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCYB has been the lower-risk option at 1.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BEMB or SCYB?

Over the 1-year period, BEMB has performed better with a 9.29% return vs 6.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BEMB or SCYB?

SCYB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for BEMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BEMB or SCYB?

SCYB has the higher dividend yield at 6.91%, compared with 6.85% for BEMB.

What is the main difference between BEMB and SCYB?

BEMB is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while SCYB is High Yield Bonds. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for BEMB and 0.03% for SCYB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BEMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.77), 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.