BKEM vs. EWS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and EWS (iShares MSCI Singapore ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds - BKEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index while EWS tracks the MSCI Singapore Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKEM returned 7.37%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for EWS. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BKEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for EWS.

Performance

BKEM vs. EWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) and iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKEM achieves a 30.24% return, which is significantly higher than EWS's 8.22% return.

BKEM

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 8.75%
• YTD: 30.24%
• 6M: 32.64%
• 1Y: 57.21%
• 3Y*: 24.11%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: —

EWS

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.60%
• YTD: 8.22%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: 19.41%
• 3Y*: 21.86%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

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

BKEM vs. EWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	30.24%	30.55%	7.53%	8.68%	-19.43%	-3.91%	47.53%
EWS iShares MSCI Singapore ETF	8.22%	31.35%	22.10%	6.15%	-9.80%	5.47%	25.18%

Correlation

The correlation between BKEM and EWS is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2020	0.68

The correlation between BKEM and EWS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKEM vs. EWS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKEM	EWS
Technology	35.9%	4.0%
Financial Services	18.9%	52.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	3.5%
Industrials	9.0%	18.1%
Communication Services	6.6%	4.2%
Basic Materials	6.4%	-
Energy	4.0%	-
Healthcare	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	4.6%
Utilities	2.3%	4.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	8.6%

Return for Risk

BKEM vs. EWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKEM

BKEM Risk / Return Rank: 84
BKEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BKEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BKEM Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BKEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
BKEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

EWS

EWS Risk / Return Rank: 39
EWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
EWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
EWS Omega Ratio Rank: 35
EWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
EWS Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

BKEM vs. EWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) and iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS). 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.

	BKEM	EWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	1.32	+1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.83	1.96	+1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.24	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	2.49	+1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.85	6.08	+10.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKEM vs. EWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is higher than the EWS Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKEM and EWS, 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

	BKEM	EWS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.95	1.32	+1.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.55	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.15	+0.61

Drawdowns

BKEM vs. EWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKEM drawdown since its inception was -39.48%, smaller than the maximum EWS drawdown of -75.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKEM and EWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKEM	EWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.48%	-75.00%	+35.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-7.82%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.38%	-16.34%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.53%	-29.06%	-7.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-0.70%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.00%	-21.88%	+5.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	3.20%	+0.21%

Volatility

BKEM vs. EWS - Volatility Comparison

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) has a higher volatility of 8.10% compared to iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) at 3.68%. This indicates that BKEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKEM	EWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.10%	3.68%	+4.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.75%	11.45%	+5.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.46%	14.73%	+4.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	17.25%	+1.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	18.03%	+1.09%

BKEM vs. EWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKEM has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than EWS's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKEM vs. EWS - Dividend Comparison

BKEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than EWS's 3.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.45%	2.25%	2.76%	3.02%	3.15%	2.22%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EWS iShares MSCI Singapore ETF	3.79%	4.10%	4.28%	6.50%	2.56%	6.00%	2.68%	4.70%	4.21%	3.46%	3.96%	4.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKEM and EWS in my portfolio?

BKEM and EWS have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BKEM or EWS?

BKEM has higher volatility (8.10%) compared to EWS (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKEM dropped -39.48% vs EWS's -75.00%.

Which ETF is better, BKEM or EWS?

On 5-year performance, EWS leads with 9.39% vs 7.37% for BKEM. On fees, BKEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, EWS has been the lower-risk option at 3.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKEM or EWS?

Over the 5-year period, EWS has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 7.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKEM or EWS?

BKEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EWS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKEM or EWS?

EWS has the higher dividend yield at 3.79%, compared with 1.45% for BKEM.

What is the main difference between BKEM and EWS?

BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index, while EWS tracks MSCI Singapore Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for BKEM and 0.50% for EWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.32), 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.