Emerging market bond ETFs were standout performers in the fixed-income space this year and the trend could continue next year as investors take on more risk in search of yield.
The iShares JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Bond (NYSEArca: EMB) is up about 16% year to date. EMB has been one of the top-selling ETFs in the second half of 2012, raking in over $2 billion, according to IndexUniverse data.
As a group, emerging market bond ETFs have attracted over $6 billion this year. [Finding the Best ETFs for Emerging Market Bonds]
“If the prolonged low interest rate environment persists (and we think it will), we expect to see more investors considering these products as a potential source of yield,” said Dodd Kittsley, an ETF analyst at BlackRock’s iShares, in a recent commentary. “In addition, the relatively positive risk/return characteristics and low historical correlations to other segments of the fixed income market should continue to make this category one to watch.” [Investors Sweet on Emerging Market Bond ETFs]
Other ETFs for the sector include PowerShares Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt (NYSEArca: PCY) and Market Vectors EM Local Currency Bond ETF (NYSEArca: EMLC). [Emerging Market Bond ETFs: Looking Overseas for Yield]