VEMY vs. MGOV

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VEMY (Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) and MGOV (First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEMY is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while MGOV is a Government Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VEMY returned 18.56% vs 6.11% for MGOV. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEMY charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for MGOV.

Performance

VEMY vs. MGOV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEMY achieves a 6.44% return, which is significantly higher than MGOV's 0.44% return.

VEMY

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 6M: 6.86%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: 15.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MGOV

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 0.44%
• 6M: 0.90%
• 1Y: 6.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEMY vs. MGOV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.44%	15.27%	13.48%	7.31%
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	0.44%	8.54%	1.55%	4.56%

Correlation

The correlation between VEMY and MGOV is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2023	0.47

Return for Risk

VEMY vs. MGOV — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

MGOV

MGOV Risk / Return Rank: 37
MGOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MGOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
MGOV Omega Ratio Rank: 37
MGOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
MGOV Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VEMY vs. MGOV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV). 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.

	VEMY	MGOV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.98	1.27	+1.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.59	1.89	+2.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.22	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.52	1.62	+2.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.45	4.72	+16.72

VEMY vs. MGOV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEMY Sharpe Ratio is 2.98, which is higher than the MGOV Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEMY and MGOV, 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

VEMY vs. MGOV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEMY drawdown since its inception was -8.77%, which is greater than MGOV's maximum drawdown of -6.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEMY and MGOV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEMY	MGOV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-6.11%	-2.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.00%	-3.53%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.13%	+2.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.30%	-1.63%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.21%	-0.37%

Volatility

VEMY vs. MGOV - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) has a higher volatility of 1.64% compared to First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) at 1.47%. This indicates that VEMY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MGOV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEMY	MGOV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.64%	1.47%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.71%	3.26%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.08%	4.53%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.62%	5.93%	+1.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.62%	5.93%	+1.69%

VEMY vs. MGOV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEMY has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than MGOV's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEMY vs. MGOV - Dividend Comparison

VEMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.33%, more than MGOV's 4.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MGOV First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF	4.96%	4.95%	5.05%	1.47%
VEMY Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	8.33%	8.89%	10.28%	9.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEMY and MGOV in my portfolio?

VEMY and MGOV have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEMY or MGOV?

VEMY has higher volatility (1.64%) compared to MGOV (1.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEMY dropped -8.77% vs MGOV's -6.11%.

Which ETF is better, VEMY or MGOV?

On 1-year performance, VEMY leads with 18.56% vs 6.11% for MGOV. On fees, VEMY is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, MGOV has been the lower-risk option at 1.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEMY or MGOV?

Over the 1-year period, VEMY has performed better with a 18.56% return vs 6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEMY or MGOV?

VEMY is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for MGOV.

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

VEMY has the higher dividend yield at 8.33%, compared with 4.96% for MGOV.

What is the main difference between VEMY and MGOV?

VEMY is categorized as Emerging Markets Bonds, while MGOV is Government Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for VEMY and 0.65% for MGOV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.98 vs 1.27), 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.