What Is the BKEM ETF? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs Explained
The BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) offers broad diversification across emerging-market large- and mid-cap stocks, with a low-cost orientation as its main strength. Differences in asset size and liquidity versus peer ETFs such as IEMG and VWO, along with its holdings mix, are the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF?
This passive ETF tracks the Solactive GBS Emerging Markets Large & Mid Cap Index and provides diversified exposure across emerging-market equities. It holds stocks that pass country-level liquidity screens.
It suits long-term investors who want broad diversification across emerging-market growth themes.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by BNY Mellon.
How Does the BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked index | Solactive GBS Emerging Markets Large & Mid Cap Index |
| Management style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing frequency | Quarterly |
| Distribution frequency | Irregular distributions |
| Total expense ratio | 0.11% |
The fund holds emerging-market large- and mid-cap stocks broadly on a market-cap-weighted basis, tracking the performance of emerging-market equities as a whole. It is composed of top companies in each country that pass liquidity screening, and the index composition is updated quarterly.
- Broad emerging-market diversification
- Index-tracking structure that aims for low costs
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $101.9M, and the total expense ratio is 0.11% per year.
Its asset size is smaller than that of IEMG and VWO shown in the table, but it shares a similar passive structure that aims for low fees.
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeEmerging-market equities have shown greater volatility than developed markets, and returns by country continue to diverge sharply depending on each country's currency and policy issues and on commodity price trends.
While interest in emerging-market growth themes remains steady, fund flows across this category tend to react sensitively to the global interest rate environment, phases of dollar strength or weakness, and shifts in risk appetite.
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Pros and Cons
Its strengths are broad emerging-market diversification and a low-cost orientation, while its weaknesses are a relatively small asset base and the volatility inherent to emerging markets.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
Among comparable products in the same emerging-market large- and mid-cap category, IEMG, VWO and EEM shown in the table are flagship funds with far larger asset bases, while AVEM is an alternative that adds a factor-based, active-style approach. Investors who want emerging-market exposure excluding China can also consider EMXC. All of these share a similar emerging-market diversification theme but differ in fees, asset size and strategy.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $75.26 | -0.6% | $148.5B | 0.09% | 2.39% | +10.6% |
 VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | $56.50 | -0.6% | $120.0B | 0.06% | 2.15% | +2.4% |
 EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $61.82 | -0.3% | $28.7B | 0.72% | 1.8% | +12.2% |
 AVEM | Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF | $87.09 | -0.5% | $26.9B | 0.33% | 2.76% | +12.8% |
 EMXC | IShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF | $91.23 | -0.5% | $25.8B | 0.25% | 2.11% | +27.4% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ADR | 0.27% | $424.37 | +1.4% | $2.20T | 27.3 | 0.97% |
| SKHY | SK Hynix Inc ADR | 0.05% | $142.66 | +4.1% | $1.04T | 9.3 | 0.36% |
| BABA | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ADR | 0.04% | $100.25 | +0.6% | $249.4B | 23.6 | 1.11% |
| HDB | HDFC Bank Ltd ADR | 0.01% | $21.71 | -1.7% | $111.6B | 12.9 | 1.97% |
| PDD | PDD Holdings Inc ADR | 0.01% | $78.13 | -1.1% | $111.2B | 8.7 | - |
| IBN | ICICI Bank Ltd ADR | 0.01% | $29.28 | -0.6% | $105.1B | 16.7 | 0.98% |
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in BKEM. Given the nature of emerging-market exposure products, it is wise to check volatility, liquidity and the degree of country diversification in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to check | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense ratio | Check the cumulative impact over a long holding period | Aims for a low level |
| 💧 Liquidity | Check daily trading value and bid-ask spread | Limited compared with large peer ETFs |
| 🌍 Country diversification | Check for concentration in any single country | Multi-country diversification maintained |
| 💱 Currency | Check the impact on returns converted into won | Not currency hedged |
The main risk factors are the political and currency volatility unique to emerging markets and liquidity constraints stemming from a relatively small asset base. Losses can widen during global risk-off periods.
It is a suitable core candidate for investors who want low-cost diversification across emerging-market large- and mid-cap stocks. Those who prioritize liquidity should also compare large peer ETFs such as IEMG and VWO.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of July 2, 2026.
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