EMFI vs. BEMB

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

EMFI (Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF) and BEMB (Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EMFI charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for BEMB.

Performance

EMFI vs. BEMB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF (EMFI) and Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

EMFI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.93%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BEMB

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.45%
• 6M: 1.80%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 1Y: 7.76%
• 3Y*: 8.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMFI vs. BEMB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	2.14%
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	0.67%

Correlation

The correlation between EMFI and BEMB is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2026	0.95

Return for Risk

EMFI vs. BEMB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMFI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BEMB

BEMB Risk / Return Rank: 65
BEMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
BEMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
BEMB Omega Ratio Rank: 72
BEMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BEMB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

EMFI vs. BEMB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF (EMFI) and Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (BEMB). 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.

	EMFI	BEMB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.83	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.69	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.35	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.15	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.21	—

Drawdowns

EMFI vs. BEMB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMFI drawdown since its inception was -1.84%, smaller than the maximum BEMB drawdown of -6.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMFI and BEMB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMFI	BEMB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.84%	-6.17%	+4.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.67%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.17%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-0.29%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.93%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMFI	BEMB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.57%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.40%	4.31%	+2.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	5.85%	+0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.40%	5.85%	+0.55%

EMFI vs. BEMB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMFI has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than BEMB's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMFI vs. BEMB - Dividend Comparison

EMFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than BEMB's 6.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BEMB Ishares J.P. Morgan Broad USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF	6.88%	6.88%	6.31%	5.46%
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMFI and BEMB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, EMFI and BEMB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, EMFI or BEMB?

On fees, BEMB is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMFI or BEMB?

BEMB is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EMFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMFI or BEMB?

BEMB has the higher dividend yield at 6.88%, compared with 0.90% for EMFI.

What is the main difference between EMFI and BEMB?

They also come from different issuers: Pictet and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EMFI and 0.18% for BEMB.