BREM vs. NEMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BREM (iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF) and NEMD (Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BREM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for NEMD.

Performance

BREM vs. NEMD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BREM achieves a 3.26% return, which is significantly lower than NEMD's 4.12% return.

BREM

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 1.16%
• YTD: 3.26%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NEMD

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.49%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BREM vs. NEMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.26%	2.74%
NEMD Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	4.12%	2.98%

Correlation

The correlation between BREM and NEMD is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

BREM vs. NEMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM) and Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD). 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	NEMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.75	2.20	-0.45

Drawdowns

BREM vs. NEMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BREM drawdown since its inception was -4.54%, roughly equal to the maximum NEMD drawdown of -4.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BREM and NEMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BREM	NEMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.54%	-4.43%	-0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.04%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-0.57%	-0.10%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BREM	NEMD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.70%	6.51%	-0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.70%	6.51%	-0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.70%	6.51%	-0.81%

BREM vs. NEMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BREM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than NEMD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

BREM vs. NEMD - Dividend Comparison

BREM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%, less than NEMD's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.91%	1.19%
NEMD Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	4.71%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BREM and NEMD in my portfolio?

BREM and NEMD have a correlation of 0.82, 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 NEMD?

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 NEMD?

BREM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for NEMD.

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

NEMD has the higher dividend yield at 4.71%, compared with 3.91% for BREM.

What is the main difference between BREM and NEMD?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and Neuberger Berman. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BREM and 0.60% for NEMD.