HYLD vs. HYEM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HYLD (High Yield ETF) and HYEM (VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. HYLD is actively managed, while HYEM is passively managed. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HYLD charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for HYEM.

Performance

HYLD vs. HYEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

HYLD

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HYEM

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 3.81%
• 6M: 4.19%
• 1Y: 10.08%
• 3Y*: 10.82%
• 5Y*: 3.02%
• 10Y*: 4.63%

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

HYLD vs. HYEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HYLD High Yield ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.80%	-11.48%	5.41%	3.11%	7.16%	0.25%	8.97%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	3.81%	9.24%	12.14%	8.35%	-13.39%	-1.31%	6.87%	12.85%	-3.38%	7.94%

Correlation

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

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2012	0.27

The correlation between HYLD and HYEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (3 years) to 0.27 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HYLD vs. HYEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HYLD	HYEM
Technology	34.8%	-
Energy	29.9%	-
Communication Services	10.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	-
Healthcare	5.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Industrials	3.4%	100.0%
Utilities	1.1%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Real Estate	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

HYLD vs. HYEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

HYEM

HYEM Risk / Return Rank: 77
HYEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
HYEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
HYEM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
HYEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
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.

HYLD vs. HYEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for High Yield ETF (HYLD) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HYLD	HYEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.54	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	HYLD	HYEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-30.96%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.73%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.23%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.20%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-4.40%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HYLD	HYEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.32%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.21%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.33%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	7.49%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	9.27%	—

HYLD vs. HYEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

HYLD has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than HYEM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

HYLD vs. HYEM - Dividend Comparison

HYLD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HYEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.53%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
HYLD High Yield ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.67%	7.86%	6.45%	7.52%	7.46%	7.97%	7.18%	6.59%	10.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HYLD and HYEM in my portfolio?

HYLD and HYEM 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 ETF is better, HYLD or HYEM?

On fees, HYEM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HYLD or HYEM?

HYEM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for HYLD.

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

HYEM has the higher dividend yield at 6.53%, compared with 0.00% for HYLD.

What is the main difference between HYLD and HYEM?

They also come from different issuers: Eve Capital and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for HYLD and 0.40% for HYEM.