EMB vs BNDX: Head-to-Head Comparison
EMB vs BNDX: iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while Vanguard Total International Bond ETF charges 0.07%. EMB holds 600 securities vs BNDX's 7,000. 5-year returns: 1.80% vs 0.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Bond
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (10/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMB | BNDX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.07% |
| AUM | $16.0B | $55.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 600 | 7,000 |
| 1-Year Return | 5.80% | 3.80% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 1.80% | 0.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 3.20% | 1.80% |
| Beta | 0.22 | 0.10 |
| P/E Ratio | N/A | N/A |
EMB 5-year annualized return is 1.80% compared to BNDX's 0.80%. Over 10 years, EMB returned 3.20% vs BNDX's 1.80%.
View data table
| Period | EMB Return | BNDX Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 1.50% | 0.80% |
| 1 Year | 5.80% | 3.80% |
| 3 Year | 2.50% | 1.00% |
| 5 Year | 1.80% | 0.80% |
| 10 Year | 3.20% | 1.80% |
Key Differences Between EMB and BNDX
EMB (iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF) is a emerging markets bond fund managed by BlackRock. EMB invests in U.S. dollar-denominated government bonds issued by emerging market countries, offering higher yields than developed-market bond funds. It tracks the JP Morgan EMBI Global Core Index and provides exposure to over 30 countries. While riskier than U.S. bonds, EMB can boost portfolio income and add geographic diversification for investors willing to accept more volatility.
BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) is a international bond fund managed by Vanguard. BNDX provides exposure to investment-grade bonds issued by governments and corporations outside the United States, with currency hedging to reduce exchange-rate risk. It holds thousands of bonds from developed and emerging markets around the world. For beginners, BNDX is a simple way to diversify a bond portfolio beyond U.S. borders while keeping volatility low.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.39% vs 0.07%), number of holdings (600 vs 7,000), and 5-year returns (1.80% vs 0.80%).
EMB vs BNDX multi-factor comparison: EMB has a 0.39% expense ratio, 1.80% 5-year return, 600 holdings, 0.22 beta, and 5.00% yield. BNDX has 0.07% expense ratio, 0.80% 5-year return, 7,000 holdings, 0.10 beta, and 3.00% yield.
View data table
| Metric | EMB | BNDX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.07% |
| 5-Year Return | 1.80% | 0.80% |
| Holdings | 600 | 7,000 |
| Beta | 0.22 | 0.10 |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 3.00% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
EMB and BNDX share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
EMB and BNDX share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). EMB has 600 total holdings and BNDX has 7,000.
View data table
| Metric | EMB | BNDX |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 600 | 7,000 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
EMB
Fee cost: $3,253
BNDX
Fee cost: $600
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $2,653 on a $10,000 investment. BNDX saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, EMB (0.39% fee) grows to $43,356 while BNDX (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009. The fee difference costs $2,653.
View data table
| Year | EMB Value | BNDX Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,430 | $14,646 |
| 10 | $20,822 | $21,450 |
| 15 | $30,046 | $31,415 |
| 20 | $43,356 | $46,009 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose EMB if: You want income-seeking investors willing to accept higher credit risk, portfolio diversifiers looking for emerging market fixed-income exposure, investors who want higher bond yields without taking on currency risk. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.39%.
Choose BNDX if: You want investors seeking global bond diversification beyond u.s. fixed income, portfolio builders who want reduced home-country bias in their bond allocation, conservative investors looking for low-volatility international exposure. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
Can You Own Both EMB and BNDX?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, EMB and BNDX complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy EMB or BNDX?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (10/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. EMB is best for investors who want income-seeking investors willing to accept higher credit risk, while BNDX is better suited for investors seeking global bond diversification beyond u.s. fixed income.
What is the difference between EMB and BNDX?▾
EMB (iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF) tracks emerging markets bond investments with 600 holdings and a 0.39% expense ratio. BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) focuses on international bond with 7,000 holdings at 0.07%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both EMB and BNDX?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, EMB and BNDX complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.