EMD vs. EDD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMD (Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc) and EDD (Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, EMD returned 6.08%/yr vs 5.09%/yr for EDD. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMD charges 0.01%/yr vs 2.20%/yr for EDD.

Performance

EMD vs. EDD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc (EMD) and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund (EDD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMD achieves a 2.48% return, which is significantly lower than EDD's 3.21% return. Over the past 10 years, EMD has outperformed EDD with an annualized return of 6.08%, while EDD has yielded a comparatively lower 5.09% annualized return.

EMD

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 2.48%
• 6M: 2.61%
• 1Y: 19.89%
• 3Y*: 19.50%
• 5Y*: 4.43%
• 10Y*: 6.08%

EDD

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -1.09%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 2.44%
• 1Y: 19.08%
• 3Y*: 16.36%
• 5Y*: 5.85%
• 10Y*: 5.09%

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

EMD vs. EDD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMD Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc	2.48%	23.41%	16.23%	12.23%	-20.78%	-0.32%	7.03%	26.62%	-13.70%	14.29%
EDD Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund	3.21%	32.46%	8.64%	14.09%	-14.15%	-7.03%	-2.84%	25.45%	-14.09%	16.34%

Correlation

The correlation between EMD and EDD is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 25, 2007	0.52

The correlation between EMD and EDD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMD vs. EDD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMD

EMD Risk / Return Rank: 26
EMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
EMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
EMD Omega Ratio Rank: 29
EMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
EMD Martin Ratio Rank: 25

EDD

EDD Risk / Return Rank: 15
EDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
EDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
EDD Omega Ratio Rank: 18
EDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
EDD Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

EMD vs. EDD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc (EMD) and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund (EDD). 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.

	EMD	EDD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.19	+0.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	1.69	+0.58
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.22	+0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	1.08	+0.41
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.12	3.64	+2.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMD vs. EDD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is higher than the EDD Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMD and EDD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EMD	EDD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60	1.19	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.38	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33	0.29	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.11	+0.25

Drawdowns

EMD vs. EDD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMD drawdown since its inception was -48.26%, smaller than the maximum EDD drawdown of -59.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMD and EDD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMD	EDD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.26%	-59.38%	+11.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.33%	-17.67%	+4.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.33%	-17.67%	+4.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.43%	-32.04%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.44%	-42.70%	-3.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.43%	-9.17%	+4.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.80%	-24.23%	+15.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	5.26%	-2.00%

Volatility

EMD vs. EDD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc (EMD) is 4.37%, while Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund (EDD) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that EMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EDD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMD	EDD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	4.70%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	13.02%	-2.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	16.12%	-3.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	15.32%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.37%	17.72%	+0.65%

EMD vs. EDD - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMD has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than EDD's 2.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMD vs. EDD - Dividend Comparison

EMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.94%, more than EDD's 9.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDD Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Fund	9.36%	9.76%	11.45%	7.30%	6.82%	6.93%	6.92%	8.15%	9.90%	8.18%	10.32%	12.65%
EMD Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc	10.94%	10.44%	10.57%	9.97%	11.09%	8.44%	8.45%	8.41%	9.76%	7.78%	9.99%	9.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMD and EDD in my portfolio?

EMD and EDD have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMD or EDD?

EDD has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to EMD (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMD dropped -48.26% vs EDD's -59.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.19), 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.