BKF vs. EMXC

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BKF (iShares MSCI BRIC ETF) and EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds from iShares - BKF tracks the MSCI BRIC Index while EMXC tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKF returned -3.51%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for EMXC. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BKF charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EMXC.

Performance

BKF vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKF achieves a -8.67% return, which is significantly lower than EMXC's 32.80% return.

BKF

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 0.10%
• 6M: -11.29%
• YTD: -8.67%
• 1Y: -2.04%
• 3Y*: 6.12%
• 5Y*: -3.51%
• 10Y*: 4.28%

EMXC

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: -3.24%
• 6M: 26.73%
• YTD: 32.80%
• 1Y: 55.63%
• 3Y*: 24.38%
• 5Y*: 11.85%
• 10Y*: —

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

BKF vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	-8.67%	22.30%	9.24%	1.27%	-21.78%	-11.87%	16.52%	22.93%	-13.80%	12.54%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	32.80%	35.14%	2.68%	18.96%	-19.56%	8.54%	12.76%	15.80%	-12.96%	7.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BKF and EMXC is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.72

The correlation between BKF and EMXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKF vs. EMXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKF	EMXC
Financial Services	23.9%	17.4%
Consumer Cyclical	18.4%	4.1%
Communication Services	12.3%	3.0%
Technology	9.6%	52.4%
Basic Materials	7.6%	6.0%
Industrials	7.5%	6.9%
Energy	6.9%	3.4%
Healthcare	5.0%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	2.4%
Utilities	3.7%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.8%

Return for Risk

BKF vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKF

BKF Risk / Return Rank: 8
BKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
BKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
BKF Omega Ratio Rank: 8
BKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
BKF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

EMXC

EMXC Risk / Return Rank: 82
EMXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
EMXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
EMXC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EMXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
EMXC Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

BKF vs. EMXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). 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.

	BKF	EMXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.13	2.12	-2.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.07	2.61	-2.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.39	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.13	3.88	-4.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.30	13.40	-13.70

BKF vs. EMXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKF Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the EMXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKF and EMXC, 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

BKF vs. EMXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKF drawdown since its inception was -70.29%, which is greater than EMXC's maximum drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKF and EMXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKF	EMXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.29%	-42.81%	-27.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.45%	-14.41%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.60%	-19.12%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.97%	-28.91%	-13.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.03%	-9.90%	-16.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.10%	-10.13%	-17.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.79%	4.16%	+2.63%

Volatility

BKF vs. EMXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) is 4.77%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) has a volatility of 12.36%. This indicates that BKF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKF	EMXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	12.36%	-7.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	24.76%	-11.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.98%	26.41%	-10.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.53%	18.73%	+2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.67%	20.37%	+1.30%

BKF vs. EMXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKF has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than EMXC's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKF vs. EMXC - Dividend Comparison

BKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, less than EMXC's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	1.59%	1.79%	2.37%	1.68%	2.04%	2.93%	1.02%	1.66%	2.33%	1.51%	1.82%	3.15%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	2.00%	2.82%	2.69%	1.83%	2.85%	1.78%	1.45%	3.25%	2.63%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKF and EMXC in my portfolio?

BKF and EMXC have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BKF or EMXC?

EMXC has higher volatility (12.36%) compared to BKF (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKF dropped -70.29% vs EMXC's -42.81%.

Which ETF is better, BKF or EMXC?

On 5-year performance, EMXC leads with 11.85% vs -3.51% for BKF. On fees, EMXC is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, BKF has been the lower-risk option at 4.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKF or EMXC?

Over the 5-year period, EMXC has performed better with a 11.85% return vs -3.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKF or EMXC?

EMXC is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BKF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKF or EMXC?

EMXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 1.59% for BKF.

What is the main difference between BKF and EMXC?

BKF tracks MSCI BRIC Index, while EMXC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BKF and 0.49% for EMXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs -0.13), 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.