
This exchange-traded fund aims to replicate the financial performance of a benchmark index comprising U.S. dollar-denominated, higher-yielding government and corporate debt issued by developing nations.
Is EMHY's expense ratio expensive, average, or a steal for its category?
Pro reveals the verdict on a 5-tier spectrum calibrated against ICI 2025 industry averages, with strategy-aware bands so the comparison is meaningful.

Emerging market bonds offer some of the highest yields in the market right now. EMHY focuses on high-yield emerging market bonds, with a solid 6.5% yield, significant momentum, and strong medium-term returns. It is a bit more expensive than average, with a 0.50% expense ratio.

iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF is a high-yield ETF, only sovereign + corporate, which over the last years has shown a certain outperformance compared to traditional EM and global HY. All this while maintaining relatively contained volatility, which has attracted the attention of many analysts and investors. What pushed the demand for EMHY higher was a favorable economic and monetary context, which pushed the risk premium to period lows.

The iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF offers high yield and broad geographic diversification, focusing on sovereign debt and BB-rated junk bonds. EMHY outperforms other emerging market high-yield ETFs, but lags the U.S. high-yield benchmark HYG since inception. The fund has suffered significant erosion in share price and income, especially after adjusting for inflation, raising concerns for long-term investors.

High-yielding emerging market bonds may seem doomed amid rising global economic tensions, and the beta effect that could have. Despite global-level and credit cycle concerns, the iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF seems promising given its structure and yield. Structurally, the vehicle is exposed to EMs with improving economies and debt repayment abilities. Moreover, its top constituents have manageable interest repayment abilities.

iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF offers high yield and geographic diversification, focusing on top-tier junk bonds in emerging markets. Based on performance since 2021, EMHY is one of the best, if not the best, emerging markets high yield bond ETFs. Nonetheless, I think long-term investors should avoid EMHY due to steady price decay and inflation impacts on income.