EMLIX vs. VEGBX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EMLIX (MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund) and VEGBX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, EMLIX returned 1.76%/yr vs 4.37%/yr for VEGBX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMLIX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for VEGBX.

Performance

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VEGBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMLIX achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than VEGBX's 2.57% return.

EMLIX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 9.34%
• 3Y*: 6.99%
• 5Y*: 1.76%
• 10Y*: 3.24%

VEGBX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 2.57%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: 12.73%
• 3Y*: 11.76%
• 5Y*: 4.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	0.81%	19.53%	-4.66%	12.67%	-10.19%	-7.97%	2.68%	15.91%	-5.99%	11.77%
VEGBX Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares	2.57%	14.46%	7.60%	13.81%	-13.02%	-1.44%	15.18%	17.87%	-0.66%	11.65%

Correlation

The correlation between EMLIX and VEGBX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.56

The correlation between EMLIX and VEGBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMLIX vs. VEGBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMLIX

EMLIX Risk / Return Rank: 25
EMLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
EMLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
EMLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
EMLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
EMLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VEGBX

VEGBX Risk / Return Rank: 87
VEGBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VEGBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VEGBX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VEGBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VEGBX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. VEGBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VEGBX). 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.

	EMLIX	VEGBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	3.06	-1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	4.94	-2.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.63	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	3.54	-2.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	15.48	-10.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMLIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the VEGBX Sharpe Ratio of 3.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMLIX and VEGBX, 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

	EMLIX	VEGBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	3.06	-1.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.69	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.07	1.08	-1.01

Drawdowns

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMLIX drawdown since its inception was -34.15%, which is greater than VEGBX's maximum drawdown of -24.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMLIX and VEGBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMLIX	VEGBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.15%	-24.27%	-9.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-3.79%	-3.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.34%	-5.53%	-3.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-24.27%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.76%	-0.28%	-3.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.53%	-3.84%	-12.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	0.86%	+1.17%

Volatility

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) has a higher volatility of 2.30% compared to Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VEGBX) at 1.52%. This indicates that EMLIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEGBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMLIX	VEGBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.30%	1.52%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.60%	3.59%	+2.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.38%	4.39%	+1.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.60%	6.34%	+1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.34%	6.36%	+6.98%

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMLIX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VEGBX's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMLIX vs. VEGBX - Dividend Comparison

EMLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, less than VEGBX's 6.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	3.39%	3.48%	5.32%	3.64%	3.60%	4.49%	4.13%	4.71%	5.60%	4.48%	4.59%	6.93%
VEGBX Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond Fund Admiral Shares	6.17%	6.34%	7.02%	7.20%	5.61%	5.14%	4.62%	6.42%	5.00%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMLIX and VEGBX in my portfolio?

EMLIX and VEGBX have a correlation of 0.60, 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 VEGBX?

EMLIX has higher volatility (2.30%) compared to VEGBX (1.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMLIX dropped -34.15% vs VEGBX's -24.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEGBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.06 vs 1.50), 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.