BREE vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BREE (MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. BREE is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BREE charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

BREE vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BREE) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BREE

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 10.36%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 7.97%
• YTD: 26.21%
• 6M: 28.63%
• 1Y: 52.58%
• 3Y*: 23.55%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

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

BREE vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BREE MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF	20.50%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	19.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BREE and IEMG is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

BREE vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 79
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

BREE vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BREE) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BREE	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.18	0.35	+3.83

Drawdowns

BREE vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BREE drawdown since its inception was -7.70%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BREE and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BREE	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-38.71%	+31.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-1.34%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.77%	-12.97%	+11.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BREE	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.31%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.33%	19.43%	+7.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.33%	18.38%	+8.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.33%	20.03%	+7.30%

BREE vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BREE has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

BREE vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

BREE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BREE MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.18%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BREE and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BREE and IEMG 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 ETF is better, BREE or IEMG?

On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BREE or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for BREE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BREE or IEMG?

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 0.00% for BREE.

What is the main difference between BREE and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: MFS and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for BREE and 0.09% for IEMG.