JEMB vs. JSML

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JEMB (Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF) and JSML (Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JEMB is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Janus Henderson, while JSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index. JEMB is actively managed, while JSML is passively managed. Over the past year, JEMB returned 13.60% vs 33.64% for JSML. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JEMB charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for JSML.

Performance

JEMB vs. JSML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (JEMB) and Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JEMB achieves a 2.48% return, which is significantly lower than JSML's 19.06% return.

JEMB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 2.48%
• 6M: 3.37%
• 1Y: 13.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JSML

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 7.59%
• YTD: 19.06%
• 6M: 17.83%
• 1Y: 33.64%
• 3Y*: 18.71%
• 5Y*: 6.09%
• 10Y*: 12.88%

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

JEMB vs. JSML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
JEMB Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	2.48%	14.63%	1.79%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	19.06%	13.41%	8.94%

Correlation

The correlation between JEMB and JSML is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2024	0.32

Return for Risk

JEMB vs. JSML — Risk / Return Rank

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

JEMB

JEMB Risk / Return Rank: 57
JEMB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
JEMB Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
JEMB Omega Ratio Rank: 56
JEMB Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
JEMB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

JSML

JSML Risk / Return Rank: 45
JSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
JSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
JSML Omega Ratio Rank: 42
JSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
JSML Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

JEMB vs. JSML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (JEMB) and Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML). 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.

	JEMB	JSML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.57	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	2.21	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.27	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.28	+0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.01	8.08	+3.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JEMB vs. JSML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JEMB Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the JSML Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JEMB and JSML, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JEMB	JSML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.71	1.57	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.23	0.56	+0.67

Drawdowns

JEMB vs. JSML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JEMB drawdown since its inception was -5.37%, smaller than the maximum JSML drawdown of -39.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JEMB and JSML.

Drawdown Indicators

	JEMB	JSML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-39.65%	+34.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.67%	-14.84%	+10.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.60%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-37.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.84%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-10.86%	+9.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.14%	4.17%	-3.03%

Volatility

JEMB vs. JSML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (JEMB) is 2.49%, while Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) has a volatility of 7.49%. This indicates that JEMB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JSML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JEMB	JSML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.49%	7.49%	-5.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.37%	15.94%	-9.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.99%	21.56%	-13.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.52%	24.34%	-15.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.52%	24.27%	-15.75%

JEMB vs. JSML - Expense Ratio Comparison

JEMB has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than JSML's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

JEMB vs. JSML - Dividend Comparison

JEMB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.29%, more than JSML's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JEMB Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	6.29%	6.19%	2.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JSML Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.80%	0.94%	1.19%	0.49%	0.67%	0.46%	0.30%	0.27%	0.76%	0.42%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JEMB and JSML in my portfolio?

JEMB and JSML have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JEMB or JSML?

JSML has higher volatility (7.49%) compared to JEMB (2.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JEMB dropped -5.37% vs JSML's -39.65%.

Which ETF is better, JEMB or JSML?

On 1-year performance, JSML leads with 33.64% vs 13.60% for JEMB. On fees, JSML is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, JEMB has been the lower-risk option at 2.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JEMB or JSML?

Over the 1-year period, JSML has performed better with a 33.64% return vs 13.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JEMB or JSML?

JSML is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for JEMB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JEMB or JSML?

JEMB has the higher dividend yield at 6.29%, compared with 0.80% for JSML.

What is the main difference between JEMB and JSML?

JEMB is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while JSML is Small Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for JEMB and 0.30% for JSML.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JEMB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.57), 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.