NEMD vs. BREM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NEMD (Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF) and BREM (iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NEMD charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for BREM.

Performance

NEMD vs. BREM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD) and iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NEMD achieves a 4.12% return, which is significantly higher than BREM's 3.36% return.

NEMD

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.49%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BREM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 3.36%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NEMD vs. BREM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NEMD Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	4.12%	2.98%
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.36%	2.74%

Correlation

The correlation between NEMD and BREM is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

NEMD vs. BREM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD) and iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF (BREM). 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

	NEMD	BREM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.20	1.78	+0.43

Drawdowns

NEMD vs. BREM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NEMD drawdown since its inception was -4.43%, roughly equal to the maximum BREM drawdown of -4.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NEMD and BREM.

Drawdown Indicators

	NEMD	BREM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-4.54%	+0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.11%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.57%	-0.66%	+0.09%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NEMD	BREM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.51%	5.69%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.51%	5.69%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.51%	5.69%	+0.82%

NEMD vs. BREM - Expense Ratio Comparison

NEMD has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than BREM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

NEMD vs. BREM - Dividend Comparison

NEMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.71%, more than BREM's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BREM iShares Emerging Markets Bond Active ETF	3.90%	1.19%
NEMD Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF	4.71%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NEMD and BREM in my portfolio?

NEMD and BREM have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NEMD or BREM?

On fees, BREM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NEMD or BREM?

BREM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for NEMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NEMD or BREM?

NEMD has the higher dividend yield at 4.71%, compared with 3.90% for BREM.

What is the main difference between NEMD and BREM?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger Berman and BlackRock. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for NEMD and 0.50% for BREM.