VEM vs. VEMY

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and VEMY (Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VEMY is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for VEMY.

Performance

VEM vs. VEMY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VEM

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 1.08%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEMY

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 5.85%
• YTD: 6.50%
• 1Y: 16.10%
• 3Y*: 15.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEM vs. VEMY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	8.93%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	3.94%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and VEMY is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026	0.69

Return for Risk

VEM vs. VEMY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEM

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

VEMY

VEMY Risk / Return Rank: 93
VEMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VEMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
VEMY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VEMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VEMY Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VEM vs. VEMY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY). 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.

	VEM	VEMY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.14	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.55	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.04	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.09	—

Drawdowns

VEM vs. VEMY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, which is greater than VEMY's maximum drawdown of -8.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and VEMY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	VEMY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-8.77%	-4.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.00%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.85%	-0.27%	-5.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.08%	-1.28%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	VEMY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.35%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.69%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.97%	6.05%	+24.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.97%	7.57%	+23.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.97%	7.57%	+23.40%

VEM vs. VEMY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than VEMY's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEM vs. VEMY - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than VEMY's 8.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	8.20%	8.89%	10.28%	9.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEM and VEMY in my portfolio?

VEM and VEMY have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VEM or VEMY?

On fees, VEM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEM or VEMY?

VEM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for VEMY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEM or VEMY?

VEMY has the higher dividend yield at 8.20%, compared with 2.02% for VEM.

What is the main difference between VEM and VEMY?

VEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VEMY is Emerging Markets Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.58% for VEMY.