EMFI vs. BREM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

EMFI (Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF) and BREM (iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

EMFI vs. BREM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

EMFI

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.67%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BREM

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.85%
• 6M: 2.82%
• YTD: 3.47%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMFI vs. BREM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	1.68%
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	0.94%

Correlation

The correlation between EMFI and BREM is 0.92, 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 Apr 23, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

EMFI vs. BREM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF (EMFI) and iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM). 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.

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

Drawdowns

EMFI vs. BREM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMFI drawdown since its inception was -1.84%, smaller than the maximum BREM drawdown of -4.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMFI and BREM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMFI	BREM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.84%	-4.54%	+2.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.87%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-0.63%	+0.11%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMFI	BREM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.24%	5.42%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.24%	5.42%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.24%	5.42%	+0.82%

EMFI vs. BREM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EMFI and BREM have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

EMFI vs. BREM - Dividend Comparison

EMFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than BREM's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	4.43%	1.19%
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	0.90%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMFI and BREM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, EMFI and BREM 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 BREM?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMFI or BREM?

EMFI and BREM have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

BREM has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 0.90% for EMFI.

What is the main difference between EMFI and BREM?

They also come from different issuers: Pictet and BlackRock.