GTOQ vs. HYEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GTOQ (Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF) and HYEM (VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. GTOQ is actively managed, while HYEM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GTOQ returned 3.89%/yr vs 3.07%/yr for HYEM. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GTOQ charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for HYEM.

Performance

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF (GTOQ) and VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GTOQ achieves a 1.79% return, which is significantly lower than HYEM's 4.43% return.

GTOQ

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 1.79%
• 6M: 2.02%
• 1Y: 6.53%
• 3Y*: 9.00%
• 5Y*: 3.89%
• 10Y*: —

HYEM

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.41%
• YTD: 4.43%
• 6M: 4.34%
• 1Y: 9.89%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.07%
• 10Y*: 4.65%

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

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GTOQ Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF	1.79%	8.04%	8.13%	14.17%	-12.17%	5.37%	0.38%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	4.43%	9.24%	12.14%	8.35%	-13.39%	-1.31%	2.23%

Correlation

The correlation between GTOQ and HYEM is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	0.47

Return for Risk

GTOQ vs. HYEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

GTOQ

GTOQ Risk / Return Rank: 54
GTOQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GTOQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GTOQ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
GTOQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
GTOQ Martin Ratio Rank: 56

HYEM

HYEM Risk / Return Rank: 76
HYEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
HYEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
HYEM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
HYEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
HYEM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF (GTOQ) and VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM). 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.

	GTOQ	HYEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.26	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	3.28	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.44	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.64	-1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.50	14.81	-5.31

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GTOQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the HYEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GTOQ and HYEM, 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

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GTOQ drawdown since its inception was -15.96%, smaller than the maximum HYEM drawdown of -30.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GTOQ and HYEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	GTOQ	HYEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.96%	-30.96%	+15.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.95%	-2.73%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.25%	-5.23%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.96%	-26.30%	+10.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.05%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.28%	-4.39%	+1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.67%	+0.02%

Volatility

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF (GTOQ) is 0.95%, while VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) has a volatility of 1.20%. This indicates that GTOQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HYEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GTOQ	HYEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	1.20%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	3.25%	-0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.67%	4.40%	-0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.72%	7.51%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.51%	9.27%	-3.76%

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

GTOQ has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than HYEM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GTOQ vs. HYEM - Dividend Comparison

GTOQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.40%, more than HYEM's 6.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GTOQ Invesco High Yield Systematic Bond ETF	7.40%	7.04%	7.20%	6.76%	6.17%	4.86%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.49%	6.67%	6.34%	6.27%	6.47%	5.33%	5.56%	6.14%	5.71%	5.86%	6.25%	7.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GTOQ and HYEM in my portfolio?

GTOQ and HYEM have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GTOQ or HYEM?

HYEM has higher volatility (1.20%) compared to GTOQ (0.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GTOQ dropped -15.96% vs HYEM's -30.96%.

Which ETF is better, GTOQ or HYEM?

On 5-year performance, GTOQ leads with 3.89% vs 3.07% for HYEM. On fees, GTOQ is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, GTOQ has been the lower-risk option at 0.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GTOQ or HYEM?

Over the 5-year period, GTOQ has performed better with a 3.89% return vs 3.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GTOQ or HYEM?

GTOQ is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for HYEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GTOQ or HYEM?

GTOQ has the higher dividend yield at 7.40%, compared with 6.49% for HYEM.

What is the main difference between GTOQ and HYEM?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for GTOQ and 0.40% for HYEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.79), 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.