BKEM vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BKEM is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index, while XCEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKEM returned 7.37%/yr vs 11.95%/yr for XCEM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BKEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

BKEM vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) 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, BKEM achieves a 30.24% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 38.32% return.

BKEM

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

XCEM

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 12.13%
• YTD: 38.32%
• 6M: 44.13%
• 1Y: 71.14%
• 3Y*: 26.37%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

BKEM vs. XCEM - 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%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	38.32%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	7.87%	54.67%

Correlation

The correlation between BKEM and XCEM is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2020	0.88

The correlation between BKEM and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKEM vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKEM	XCEM
Technology	35.9%	1.1%
Financial Services	18.9%	7.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	1.1%
Industrials	9.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	6.6%	4.2%
Basic Materials	6.4%	0.7%
Energy	4.0%	0.2%
Healthcare	3.2%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	0.3%
Utilities	2.3%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	0.0%

Return for Risk

BKEM vs. XCEM — 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

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 90
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BKEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	3.42	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.83	4.27	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.61	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	4.95	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.85	19.98	-3.14
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. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is comparable to the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKEM 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

	BKEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.95	3.42	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.68	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.63	+0.12

Drawdowns

BKEM vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKEM drawdown since its inception was -39.48%, roughly equal to the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKEM and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKEM	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.48%	-41.24%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-14.46%	+1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.38%	-18.92%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.53%	-29.67%	-6.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-1.25%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.00%	-8.59%	-7.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	3.57%	-0.16%

Volatility

BKEM vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) is 8.10%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that BKEM 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

	BKEM	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.10%	9.43%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.75%	18.72%	-1.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.46%	20.89%	-1.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	17.75%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	19.72%	-0.60%

BKEM vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKEM has a 0.11% 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

BKEM vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

BKEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than XCEM's 2.35% 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%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.35%	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 BKEM and XCEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BKEM 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, BKEM or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to BKEM (8.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKEM dropped -39.48% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, BKEM or XCEM?

On 5-year performance, XCEM leads with 11.95% vs 7.37% for BKEM. On fees, BKEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, BKEM has been the lower-risk option at 8.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKEM or XCEM?

Over the 5-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 11.95% 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 XCEM?

BKEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for XCEM.

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

XCEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 1.45% for BKEM.

What is the main difference between BKEM and XCEM?

BKEM is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XCEM is Emerging Markets Equities. BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index, while XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for BKEM and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 2.95), 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.