EEMA vs. IBB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EEMA (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF) and IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, while IBB is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EEMA returned 10.78%/yr vs 7.19%/yr for IBB. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EEMA charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBB.

Performance

EEMA vs. IBB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMA achieves a 23.70% return, which is significantly higher than IBB's 1.19% return. Over the past 10 years, EEMA has outperformed IBB with an annualized return of 10.78%, while IBB has yielded a comparatively lower 7.19% annualized return.

EEMA

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 23.70%
• 6M: 27.45%
• 1Y: 44.66%
• 3Y*: 22.04%
• 5Y*: 6.58%
• 10Y*: 10.78%

IBB

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -1.15%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 0.91%
• 1Y: 32.61%
• 3Y*: 9.42%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: 7.19%

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

EEMA vs. IBB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF	23.70%	33.27%	10.23%	6.57%	-21.49%	-4.22%	25.17%	18.60%	-15.76%	43.41%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	1.19%	27.98%	-2.41%	3.76%	-13.69%	0.95%	26.01%	25.42%	-9.53%	21.08%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMA and IBB is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2012	0.44

EEMA vs. IBB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMA	IBB
Technology	41.2%	-
Financial Services	15.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	-
Industrials	8.8%	-
Communication Services	6.0%	-
Basic Materials	4.5%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	100.0%
Energy	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.8%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-

Return for Risk

EEMA vs. IBB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMA

EEMA Risk / Return Rank: 72
EEMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
EEMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
EEMA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
EEMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEMA Martin Ratio Rank: 70

IBB

IBB Risk / Return Rank: 60
IBB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IBB Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
IBB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IBB Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
IBB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EEMA vs. IBB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) and iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB). 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.

	EEMA	IBB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	1.61	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.34	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.27	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	3.40	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.43	10.49	+0.94

EEMA vs. IBB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMA Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is comparable to the IBB Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMA and IBB, 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

EEMA vs. IBB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMA drawdown since its inception was -44.18%, smaller than the maximum IBB drawdown of -62.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMA and IBB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMA	IBB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.18%	-62.85%	+18.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.30%	-9.63%	-4.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-24.85%	+4.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.46%	-39.82%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.18%	-39.82%	-4.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.33%	-3.86%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.95%	-21.16%	+7.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.92%	3.14%	+0.78%

Volatility

EEMA vs. IBB - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) has a higher volatility of 10.16% compared to iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) at 7.73%. This indicates that EEMA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMA	IBB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.16%	7.73%	+2.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.97%	15.86%	+3.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.67%	20.35%	+1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.66%	22.00%	-1.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.97%	23.23%	-2.26%

EEMA vs. IBB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IBB's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMA vs. IBB - Dividend Comparison

EEMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, more than IBB's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF	1.19%	1.48%	1.74%	2.02%	1.78%	2.19%	1.15%	1.86%	2.17%	1.74%	1.74%	2.44%
IBB iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF	0.23%	0.23%	0.29%	0.26%	0.31%	0.21%	0.21%	0.33%	0.20%	0.30%	0.19%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMA and IBB in my portfolio?

EEMA and IBB have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EEMA or IBB?

EEMA has higher volatility (10.16%) compared to IBB (7.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMA dropped -44.18% vs IBB's -62.85%.

Which ETF is better, EEMA or IBB?

On 10-year performance, EEMA leads with 10.78% vs 7.19% for IBB. On fees, IBB is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IBB has been the lower-risk option at 7.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMA or IBB?

Over the 10-year period, EEMA has performed better with a 10.78% return vs 7.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMA or IBB?

IBB is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EEMA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEMA or IBB?

EEMA has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.23% for IBB.

What is the main difference between EEMA and IBB?

EEMA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while IBB is Health & Biotech Equities. EEMA tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, while IBB tracks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EEMA and 0.47% for IBB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.61), 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.