IDUB vs. HYEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IDUB (Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF) and HYEM (VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDUB is a Long-Short fund actively managed by Aptus, while HYEM is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the BofA Merrill Lynch Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index. IDUB is actively managed, while HYEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IDUB returned 17.49%/yr vs 10.35%/yr for HYEM. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IDUB charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for HYEM.

Performance

IDUB vs. HYEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) 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, IDUB achieves a 14.34% return, which is significantly higher than HYEM's 4.28% return.

IDUB

• 1D: -2.69%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 14.34%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.78%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HYEM

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 4.28%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: 9.50%
• 3Y*: 10.35%
• 5Y*: 2.95%
• 10Y*: 4.64%

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

IDUB vs. HYEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	14.34%	27.53%	6.12%	9.07%	-19.79%	-1.16%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	4.28%	9.24%	12.14%	8.35%	-13.39%	-3.00%

Correlation

The correlation between IDUB and HYEM is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2021	0.49

Return for Risk

IDUB vs. HYEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDUB

IDUB Risk / Return Rank: 63
IDUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
IDUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IDUB Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IDUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IDUB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

HYEM

HYEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
HYEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
HYEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
HYEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
HYEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
HYEM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

IDUB vs. HYEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) 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.

	IDUB	HYEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.17	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	3.15	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.42	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	3.50	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.92	14.23	-3.31

IDUB vs. HYEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDUB Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the HYEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDUB 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

IDUB vs. HYEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDUB drawdown since its inception was -29.20%, smaller than the maximum HYEM drawdown of -30.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDUB and HYEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDUB	HYEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.20%	-30.96%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.46%	-2.73%	-8.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.88%	-5.23%	-7.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.29%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.69%	-0.20%	-2.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.06%	-4.38%	-6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	0.67%	+2.25%

Volatility

IDUB vs. HYEM - Volatility Comparison

Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) has a higher volatility of 6.55% compared to VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) at 1.14%. This indicates that IDUB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HYEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDUB	HYEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	1.14%	+5.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.22%	3.25%	+10.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.44%	4.40%	+12.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	7.51%	+7.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	9.27%	+5.53%

IDUB vs. HYEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDUB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than HYEM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDUB vs. HYEM - Dividend Comparison

IDUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.06%, less than HYEM's 6.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.50%	6.67%	6.34%	6.27%	6.47%	5.33%	5.56%	6.14%	5.71%	5.86%	6.25%	7.64%
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	5.06%	4.90%	5.64%	3.71%	2.62%	1.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDUB and HYEM in my portfolio?

IDUB and HYEM have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDUB or HYEM?

IDUB has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to HYEM (1.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDUB dropped -29.20% vs HYEM's -30.96%.

Which ETF is better, IDUB or HYEM?

On 3-year performance, IDUB leads with 17.49% vs 10.35% for HYEM. On fees, HYEM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, HYEM has been the lower-risk option at 1.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDUB or HYEM?

Over the 3-year period, IDUB has performed better with a 17.49% return vs 10.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDUB or HYEM?

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

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

HYEM has the higher dividend yield at 6.50%, compared with 5.06% for IDUB.

What is the main difference between IDUB and HYEM?

IDUB is categorized as Long-Short, while HYEM is High Yield Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Aptus and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for IDUB and 0.40% for HYEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.94), 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.