BREM vs. XEMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BREM (iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF) and XEMD (BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. BREM is actively managed, while XEMD is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BREM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for XEMD.

Performance

BREM vs. XEMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM) and BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF (XEMD). 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 higher than XEMD's 2.94% return.

BREM

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

XEMD

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 2.94%
• 6M: 3.52%
• 1Y: 11.81%
• 3Y*: 11.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BREM vs. XEMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.26%	2.74%
XEMD BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF	2.94%	3.10%

Correlation

The correlation between BREM and XEMD is 0.81, 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	0.81

Return for Risk

BREM vs. XEMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

XEMD

XEMD Risk / Return Rank: 80
XEMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
XEMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
XEMD Omega Ratio Rank: 85
XEMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
XEMD Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. XEMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM) and BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF (XEMD). 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	XEMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.75	1.40	+0.35

Drawdowns

BREM vs. XEMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BREM drawdown since its inception was -4.54%, smaller than the maximum XEMD drawdown of -10.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BREM and XEMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BREM	XEMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.54%	-10.01%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.52%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.19%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-1.26%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BREM	XEMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.70%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.70%	4.65%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.70%	6.88%	-1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.70%	6.88%	-1.18%

BREM vs. XEMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BREM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XEMD's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

BREM vs. XEMD - Dividend Comparison

BREM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%, less than XEMD's 5.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.91%	1.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XEMD BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF	5.81%	6.15%	6.30%	6.19%	3.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BREM and XEMD in my portfolio?

BREM and XEMD have a correlation of 0.81, 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 XEMD?

On fees, XEMD is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BREM or XEMD?

XEMD is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for BREM.

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

XEMD has the higher dividend yield at 5.81%, compared with 3.91% for BREM.

What is the main difference between BREM and XEMD?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and BondBloxx. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BREM and 0.29% for XEMD.