BEMB vs. VEMY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BEMB (Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF) and VEMY (Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BEMB returned 8.80%/yr vs 15.75%/yr for VEMY. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BEMB charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for VEMY.

Performance

BEMB vs. VEMY - 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 Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BEMB achieves a 1.27% return, which is significantly lower than VEMY's 5.89% return.

BEMB

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 1.64%
• 1Y: 9.77%
• 3Y*: 8.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEMY

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 5.89%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 18.61%
• 3Y*: 15.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BEMB vs. VEMY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	1.27%	12.27%	5.51%	8.88%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	5.89%	15.27%	13.48%	12.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BEMB and VEMY is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2023	0.82

The correlation between BEMB and VEMY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BEMB vs. VEMY — Risk / Return Rank

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

BEMB

BEMB Risk / Return Rank: 67
BEMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
BEMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BEMB Omega Ratio Rank: 75
BEMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
BEMB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VEMY

VEMY Risk / Return Rank: 90
VEMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VEMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VEMY Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VEMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VEMY Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. VEMY - 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 Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY). 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.

	BEMB	VEMY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	3.09	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	4.75	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.63	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	4.67	-1.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.53	22.18	-10.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BEMB vs. VEMY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BEMB Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the VEMY Sharpe Ratio of 3.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BEMB and VEMY, 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

	BEMB	VEMY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	3.09	-0.79
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.45	1.83	-0.37

Drawdowns

BEMB vs. VEMY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BEMB drawdown since its inception was -6.17%, smaller than the maximum VEMY drawdown of -8.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BEMB and VEMY.

Drawdown Indicators

	BEMB	VEMY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-8.77%	+2.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.67%	-4.00%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.17%	-6.57%	+0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.17%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.94%	-1.30%	+0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	0.84%	+0.01%

Volatility

BEMB vs. VEMY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB) is 1.49%, while Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) has a volatility of 1.60%. This indicates that BEMB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEMY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BEMB	VEMY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	1.60%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.46%	4.65%	-1.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.26%	6.05%	-1.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.88%	7.63%	-1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.88%	7.63%	-1.75%

BEMB vs. VEMY - Expense Ratio Comparison

BEMB has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than VEMY's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

BEMB vs. VEMY - Dividend Comparison

BEMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.88%, less than VEMY's 8.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	6.88%	6.88%	6.31%	5.46%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	8.38%	8.89%	10.28%	9.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BEMB and VEMY in my portfolio?

BEMB and VEMY have a correlation of 0.80, 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 VEMY?

VEMY has higher volatility (1.60%) compared to BEMB (1.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BEMB dropped -6.17% vs VEMY's -8.77%.

Which ETF is better, BEMB or VEMY?

On 3-year performance, VEMY leads with 15.75% vs 8.80% for BEMB. On fees, BEMB is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, BEMB has been the lower-risk option at 1.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BEMB or VEMY?

Over the 3-year period, VEMY has performed better with a 15.75% return vs 8.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BEMB or VEMY?

BEMB is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for VEMY.

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

VEMY has the higher dividend yield at 8.38%, compared with 6.88% for BEMB.

What is the main difference between BEMB and VEMY?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Virtus. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for BEMB and 0.58% for VEMY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.09 vs 2.30), 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.