EMFI vs. EMLC

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

EMFI (Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF) and EMLC (VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. EMFI is actively managed, while EMLC is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMFI charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for EMLC.

Performance

EMFI vs. EMLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF (EMFI) and VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC). 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*: —

EMLC

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 0.80%
• 6M: 1.50%
• YTD: 1.74%
• 1Y: 7.10%
• 3Y*: 6.35%
• 5Y*: 1.79%
• 10Y*: 1.86%

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

EMFI vs. EMLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	2.14%
EMLC VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF	0.13%

Correlation

The correlation between EMFI and EMLC is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2026	0.79

Return for Risk

EMFI vs. EMLC — 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.

EMLC

EMLC Risk / Return Rank: 30
EMLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
EMLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
EMLC Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EMLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
EMLC Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. EMLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF (EMFI) and VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC). 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	EMLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.00	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.42	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.14	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.72	—

Drawdowns

EMFI vs. EMLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMFI drawdown since its inception was -1.84%, smaller than the maximum EMLC drawdown of -32.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMFI and EMLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMFI	EMLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.84%	-32.43%	+30.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.19%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.15%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.60%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-3.51%	+3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-14.31%	+13.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.90%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMFI	EMLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.31%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.40%	7.12%	-0.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	9.13%	-2.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.40%	9.94%	-3.54%

EMFI vs. EMLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMFI has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than EMLC's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMFI vs. EMLC - Dividend Comparison

EMFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than EMLC's 6.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMFI Pictet Emerging Markets Debt ETF	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EMLC VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF	6.25%	5.91%	6.55%	5.97%	5.54%	5.25%	4.90%	6.25%	6.50%	5.34%	5.32%	6.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMFI and EMLC in my portfolio?

EMFI and EMLC have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EMFI or EMLC?

On fees, EMLC is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMFI or EMLC?

EMLC is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EMFI.

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

EMLC has the higher dividend yield at 6.25%, compared with 0.90% for EMFI.

What is the main difference between EMFI and EMLC?

They also come from different issuers: Pictet and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EMFI and 0.30% for EMLC.