JEMA vs. HELO

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

JEMA (JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and HELO (JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JEMA is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by JPMorgan, while HELO is a Options Trading fund actively managed by JPMorgan. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, JEMA returned 52.35% vs 8.36% for HELO. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JEMA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for HELO.

Performance

JEMA vs. HELO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) and JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JEMA achieves a 29.43% return, which is significantly higher than HELO's 1.19% return.

JEMA

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 29.43%
• 6M: 29.96%
• 1Y: 52.35%
• 3Y*: 23.95%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

HELO

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.08%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 0.25%
• 1Y: 8.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JEMA vs. HELO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
JEMA JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	29.43%	34.89%	5.68%	8.11%
HELO JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF	1.19%	7.82%	18.05%	5.25%

Correlation

The correlation between JEMA and HELO is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.59

The correlation between JEMA and HELO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JEMA vs. HELO — Risk / Return Rank

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

JEMA

JEMA Risk / Return Rank: 81
JEMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
JEMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
JEMA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
JEMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
JEMA Martin Ratio Rank: 85

HELO

HELO Risk / Return Rank: 41
HELO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
HELO Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
HELO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
HELO Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
HELO Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

JEMA vs. HELO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) and JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO). 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.

	JEMA	HELO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.32	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	1.87	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.26	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.01	1.46	+2.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.47	6.35	+9.12

JEMA vs. HELO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JEMA Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the HELO Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JEMA and HELO, 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

JEMA vs. HELO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JEMA drawdown since its inception was -39.50%, which is greater than HELO's maximum drawdown of -10.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JEMA and HELO.

Drawdown Indicators

	JEMA	HELO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.50%	-10.89%	-28.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-5.76%	-7.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.28%	-1.37%	-2.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.88%	-1.18%	-15.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	1.32%	+2.07%

Volatility

JEMA vs. HELO - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) has a higher volatility of 11.93% compared to JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) at 1.79%. This indicates that JEMA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HELO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JEMA	HELO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.93%	1.79%	+10.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.79%	5.00%	+15.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.84%	6.37%	+16.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.65%	7.96%	+11.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.42%	7.96%	+11.46%

JEMA vs. HELO - Expense Ratio Comparison

JEMA has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than HELO's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

JEMA vs. HELO - Dividend Comparison

JEMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, more than HELO's 0.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HELO JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF	0.64%	0.67%	0.60%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%
JEMA JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.26%	2.93%	2.44%	2.95%	2.69%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JEMA and HELO in my portfolio?

JEMA and HELO have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JEMA or HELO?

JEMA has higher volatility (11.93%) compared to HELO (1.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JEMA dropped -39.50% vs HELO's -10.89%.

Which ETF is better, JEMA or HELO?

On 1-year performance, JEMA leads with 52.35% vs 8.36% for HELO. On fees, JEMA is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, HELO has been the lower-risk option at 1.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JEMA or HELO?

Over the 1-year period, JEMA has performed better with a 52.35% return vs 8.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JEMA or HELO?

JEMA is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HELO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JEMA or HELO?

JEMA has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 0.64% for HELO.

What is the main difference between JEMA and HELO?

JEMA is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while HELO is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for JEMA and 0.50% for HELO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JEMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.32), 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.