Highlights

  • EMB targets US dollar emerging market sovereign and related debt.
  • The published expense ratio is 0.39%.
  • The fund's distribution frequency is monthly.

iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (NASDAQ:EMB) seeks exposure to US dollar emerging market sovereign and related debt. With net asset value of USD 91.70 per share as of 2 November 2026, the fund reported net Assets of USD 13,534,579,468 as of 2 November 2026. Its Investment approach centres on tracking the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond index Global Diversified Core.

External Debt Connects Governments to Dollar Funding

US dollar sovereign borrowing places repayment obligations in a currency that may differ from a government's principal Revenue base. Fiscal strength, external reserves and access to international funding can therefore influence repayment capacity. Countries face different economic circumstances, but their bond prices can still respond together to global dollar financing conditions. The country mix remains important even in a portfolio containing many bonds.

Portfolio Composition and Exposure

EMB reported 618 holdings as of 2 November 2026. This count describes the portfolio at that date and can change as securities enter or leave the fund. It does not indicate that each position carries the same weight.

The published exposure breakdown as of 2 November 2026 included Sovereign at 87.13% and Agency at 12.66%. These allocations show where a meaningful part of the portfolio's exposure was concentrated. The percentages can change with market values and portfolio adjustments.

Effective duration was 6.38 years as of 2 November 2026, while weighted average Maturity was 10.57 years as of 2 November 2026. Duration indicates sensitivity to Interest Rate changes; maturity describes the timing of principal repayments. These measures address different features of a bond portfolio.

Fees and Distribution Policy

EMB lists an expense ratio of 0.39%. This is an ongoing fund cost, rather than a charge covering every expense of buying or selling shares. Brokerage charges and the difference between buying and selling prices can add to an investor's transaction costs. Fund shares trade on Nasdaq at market prices, which may differ from net asset value.

The stated distribution frequency is monthly. That schedule describes the timing framework for payments and does not establish a fixed amount. Distributions depend on the fund's available income and applicable distribution decisions. A cash payment also needs to be considered alongside changes in the value of the investment.

Key Insights

Sovereign restructuring, fiscal pressure and changes in global financing conditions can affect this debt. US dollar denomination does not remove the consequences of weaker local revenues or external balances. EMB's dollar sovereign exposure makes country finances and duration central to understanding the portfolio, while the number of bonds alone does not establish country diversification.