EMLIX vs. EMLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMLIX (MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund) and EMLC (VanEck Vectors J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, EMLIX returned 3.26%/yr vs 2.16%/yr for EMLC. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMLIX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for EMLC.

Performance

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) and VanEck Vectors J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMLIX achieves a 1.14% return, which is significantly higher than EMLC's 0.96% return. Over the past 10 years, EMLIX has outperformed EMLC with an annualized return of 3.26%, while EMLC has yielded a comparatively lower 2.16% annualized return.

EMLIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.59%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 6.34%
• 5Y*: 2.30%
• 10Y*: 3.26%

EMLC

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 0.96%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 8.66%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: 1.57%
• 10Y*: 2.16%

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

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	1.14%	19.53%	-4.66%	12.67%	-10.19%	-7.97%	2.68%	15.91%	-5.99%	14.59%
EMLC VanEck Vectors J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF	0.96%	18.81%	-2.97%	11.18%	-10.58%	-9.72%	3.08%	9.79%	-7.57%	13.84%

Correlation

The correlation between EMLIX and EMLC is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2011	0.84

The correlation between EMLIX and EMLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMLIX vs. EMLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMLIX

EMLIX Risk / Return Rank: 26
EMLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
EMLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
EMLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
EMLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
EMLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

EMLC

EMLC Risk / Return Rank: 33
EMLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
EMLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
EMLC Omega Ratio Rank: 36
EMLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
EMLC Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) and VanEck Vectors 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.

	EMLIX	EMLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.21	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	1.72	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.24	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.40	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.48	4.64	-0.16

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMLIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the EMLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMLIX and EMLC, 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

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMLIX drawdown since its inception was -34.15%, which is greater than EMLC's maximum drawdown of -32.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMLIX and EMLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMLIX	EMLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.15%	-32.43%	-1.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-6.19%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.34%	-9.15%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.42%	-23.91%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.42%	-26.47%	-6.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.43%	-4.25%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.48%	-14.33%	-2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.87%	+0.26%

Volatility

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) is 2.13%, while VanEck Vectors J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC) has a volatility of 2.36%. This indicates that EMLIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMLIX	EMLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.13%	2.36%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.82%	6.30%	-0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.57%	7.17%	-0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.62%	9.14%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.32%	9.97%	+3.35%

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMLIX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than EMLC's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMLIX vs. EMLC - Dividend Comparison

EMLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, less than EMLC's 6.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLC VanEck Vectors J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF	6.19%	5.91%	6.55%	5.97%	5.54%	5.25%	4.90%	6.25%	6.50%	5.34%	5.32%	6.25%
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	3.38%	3.48%	5.32%	3.64%	3.60%	4.49%	4.13%	4.71%	5.60%	4.48%	4.59%	6.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMLIX and EMLC in my portfolio?

EMLIX and EMLC have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMLIX or EMLC?

EMLC has higher volatility (2.36%) compared to EMLIX (2.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMLIX dropped -34.15% vs EMLC's -32.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMLIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.21), 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.