CEMB vs VYM
iShares JP Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, CEMB or VYM?
Emerging Markets Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEMB | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $434M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 1,172 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -1.64% | +15.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.24% | +22.23%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.96% | +18.81%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.89% | +12.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5%Best | 13.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,453 | $17,734Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Emerging Markets Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2012 to Sep 3, 2026 (14.4 years).
CEMB vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.4 years both funds cover.
CEMB vs VYM Performance
iShares JP Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF (CEMB) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEMB returned -0.24% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, CEMB is down 1.64% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Over three years, CEMB compounded at +5.96% per year against +18.81% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.89% and +12.14% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.25% annualized vs +3.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.1% compared with 7.5% for CEMB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -48.2% for CEMB and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.59. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEMB charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEMB currently yields 5.24% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 167 holdings in CEMB and 603 in VYM, totalling 15.5% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 167 positions we hold weights for in CEMB and 603 in VYM, against full books of 1,172 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CEMB and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEMB or VYM?
CEMB has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CEMB or VYM?
Over the past year CEMB returned -0.24% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), CEMB annualized +3.25% vs +10.25% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CEMB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.1% annualized versus 7.5% for CEMB. Worst drawdown: CEMB -48.2% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both CEMB and VYM?
CEMB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEMB or VYM?
CEMB yields 5.24% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CEMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than CEMB?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.