Beyond the Transatlantic Rift: Emerging Market Bond ETFs to Buy

As the first month of 2026 witnessed an intensifying trade war between the United States and Europe over the Greenland dispute, investors are likely to increasingly pivot toward safe-haven assets. Fixed-income securities have traditionally served as a reliable ballast during periods of geopolitical friction, offering predictable income and capital preservation when growth expectations wane. 

For investors looking to navigate this volatility, in this current climate of "economic coercion, bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) present an efficient investment vehicle for gaining diversified exposure. 

Specifically, Emerging Market (EM) Bond ETFs are expected to draw significant attention as they offer a strategic escape from the direct line of fire in the transatlantic tariff battle, providing both yield and a necessary "geopolitical hedge."

The Drivers and Trends Fueling Emerging Market Bond ETFs

The 2026 investment landscape is defined by what experts call a "return to excitement" for fixed income. According to Morningstar’s 2026 market outlook, Bond ETFs are projected to capture up to 33% of the total bond market share by the end of the year, driven by a migration from cash as global central banks conclude their easing cycles, after breaking records last year.

Within this broader bond market, the EM section carries potential for a further rally this year, after delivering a solid return for the past couple of years. To this end, Schroders, in a report published this month, mentioned that favorable inflation dynamics, high real rates and more favorable public debt dynamics in EM relative to developed markets are expected to boost EM local currency debt. This, in turn, is likely to bolster inflows for EM bond ETFs.

A primary driver for the current favor toward Emerging Market debt is the shrinking yield differential in developed markets. While U.S. and German investment-grade spreads have tightened to historical lows, hovering near 70 basis points, EM bonds continue to offer "compelling carry." 

Furthermore, a weakening U.S. dollar and improving sovereign balance sheets in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America have made EM debt a "sweet spot" for income seekers. With high-quality sovereigns in these regions currently yielding significantly more than their embattled European counterparts, EM bond ETFs stand out as a winner compared to their developed-market counterparts.

Navigating the Volatility Through EM Bond ETFs

While the transatlantic trade war is creating volatility in the global market, the following EM bond ETFs are positioned to capture the resilience of emerging economies:

iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF EMB

This fund, with net assets worth $16.70 billion, provides exposure to U.S. dollar-denominated government bonds issued by emerging market countries. Its top three holdings are in bonds issued by governments from the emerging nations of Turkey (4.29%), Mexico (3.83%) and Brazil (3.70%). 

EMB has rallied 11.7% over the past year. The fund charges 39 basis points (bps) as fees.

VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF EMLC

This fund, with net assets worth $4.32 billion, provides exposure to bonds issued by EM governments and denominated in the local currency of the issuer. Its top three holdings are in bonds issued by governments from the emerging nations of Brazil (0.86%), South Africa (0.84%) and Mexico (0.82%). 

EMLC has gained 17.1% over the past year. The fund charges 31 bps as fees.

Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF VWOB

This fund, with net assets worth $5.7 billion, provides exposure to bonds issued by EM governments, government agencies, and government-owned corporations. Its top three holdings are in bonds issued by governments from the emerging nations of Argentina (2.02%) and Mexico (0.77%). 

VWOB has gained 11.7% over the past year. The fund charges 15 bps as fees.
 

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research