BREM vs. FEMB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BREM (iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF) and FEMB (First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BREM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FEMB.

Performance

BREM vs. FEMB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM) and First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BREM achieves a 3.36% return, which is significantly higher than FEMB's 0.88% return.

BREM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 3.36%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FEMB

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 1.40%
• 1Y: 9.95%
• 3Y*: 7.61%
• 5Y*: 1.68%
• 10Y*: 2.54%

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

BREM vs. FEMB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.36%	2.74%
FEMB First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF	0.88%	2.63%

Correlation

The correlation between BREM and FEMB 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2025	0.58

Return for Risk

BREM vs. FEMB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEMB

FEMB Risk / Return Rank: 32
FEMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FEMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
FEMB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FEMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FEMB Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

BREM vs. FEMB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM) and First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB). 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

	BREM	FEMB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.20	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.16	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.78	0.09	+1.69

Drawdowns

BREM vs. FEMB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BREM drawdown since its inception was -4.54%, smaller than the maximum FEMB drawdown of -30.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BREM and FEMB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BREM	FEMB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.54%	-30.44%	+25.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.58%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.85%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-3.65%	+3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-9.93%	+9.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.37%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BREM	FEMB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.57%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.69%	8.36%	-2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.69%	10.25%	-4.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.69%	10.99%	-5.30%

BREM vs. FEMB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BREM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FEMB's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

BREM vs. FEMB - Dividend Comparison

BREM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.90%, less than FEMB's 6.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.90%	1.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FEMB First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF	6.04%	5.67%	6.09%	5.15%	6.35%	6.12%	5.29%	5.40%	5.86%	6.38%	5.83%	4.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BREM and FEMB in my portfolio?

BREM and FEMB 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 ETF is better, BREM or FEMB?

On fees, BREM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BREM or FEMB?

BREM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FEMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BREM or FEMB?

FEMB has the higher dividend yield at 6.04%, compared with 3.90% for BREM.

What is the main difference between BREM and FEMB?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BREM and 0.85% for FEMB.