HYEM vs. FLBL

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

HYEM (VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) and FLBL (Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. HYEM is passively managed, while FLBL is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, HYEM returned 2.92%/yr vs 5.11%/yr for FLBL. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HYEM charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FLBL.

Performance

HYEM vs. FLBL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HYEM achieves a 3.86% return, which is significantly higher than FLBL's 0.47% return.

HYEM

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 3.86%
• 6M: 4.24%
• 1Y: 9.18%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 2.92%
• 10Y*: 4.72%

FLBL

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.50%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.11%
• 1Y: 2.09%
• 3Y*: 6.81%
• 5Y*: 5.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

HYEM vs. FLBL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	3.86%	9.24%	12.14%	8.35%	-13.39%	-1.31%	6.87%	12.85%	0.34%
FLBL Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF	0.47%	3.59%	8.26%	14.83%	-2.69%	4.35%	2.17%	7.67%	-1.39%

Correlation

The correlation between HYEM and FLBL is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 1, 2018	0.31

Return for Risk

HYEM vs. FLBL — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYEM

HYEM Risk / Return Rank: 80
HYEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
HYEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
HYEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
HYEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
HYEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

FLBL

FLBL Risk / Return Rank: 22
FLBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FLBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FLBL Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FLBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
FLBL Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

HYEM vs. FLBL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) and Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF (FLBL). 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.

	HYEM	FLBL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	0.76	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	1.08	+2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.15	+0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	0.63	+2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.00	2.11	+11.89

HYEM vs. FLBL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HYEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the FLBL Sharpe Ratio of 0.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HYEM and FLBL, 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

HYEM vs. FLBL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HYEM drawdown since its inception was -30.96%, which is greater than FLBL's maximum drawdown of -19.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYEM and FLBL.

Drawdown Indicators

	HYEM	FLBL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.96%	-19.52%	-11.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.73%	-3.18%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.23%	-3.91%	-1.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.30%	-6.80%	-19.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.53%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.39%	-1.00%	-3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	0.94%	-0.27%

Volatility

HYEM vs. FLBL - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) has a higher volatility of 1.31% compared to Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF (FLBL) at 0.67%. This indicates that HYEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLBL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HYEM	FLBL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	0.67%	+0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.21%	2.25%	+0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.36%	2.62%	+1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.50%	3.86%	+3.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.27%	5.71%	+3.56%

HYEM vs. FLBL - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYEM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than FLBL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYEM vs. FLBL - Dividend Comparison

HYEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.53%, less than FLBL's 7.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLBL Franklin Liberty Senior Loan ETF	7.61%	7.24%	8.05%	8.37%	5.53%	3.57%	3.22%	3.97%	2.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.53%	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 HYEM and FLBL in my portfolio?

HYEM and FLBL have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HYEM or FLBL?

HYEM has higher volatility (1.31%) compared to FLBL (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYEM dropped -30.96% vs FLBL's -19.52%.

Which ETF is better, HYEM or FLBL?

On 5-year performance, FLBL leads with 5.11% vs 2.92% for HYEM. On fees, HYEM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, FLBL has been the lower-risk option at 0.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HYEM or FLBL?

Over the 5-year period, FLBL has performed better with a 5.11% return vs 2.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYEM or FLBL?

HYEM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FLBL.

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

FLBL has the higher dividend yield at 7.61%, compared with 6.53% for HYEM.

What is the main difference between HYEM and FLBL?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for HYEM and 0.45% for FLBL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.76), 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.