What this ETF is trying to do

The iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) invests in companies that build and operate basic systems—like airports, power plants, and water systems—in emerging market countries.

Based on the Top Holdings (updated October 7, 2026), the fund has exposure to companies such as Airports of Thailand PLC (10.58%), Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (10.04%), and Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (7.63%).

What the numbers show

As of October 9, 2026, the share price is $27.65.

There are two ways to look at the returns:

• Price Return: This measures only the change in the share price. The one-year price return is 9.71%, and the three-year price return is 42.00%.

• Total Return: This reflects the overall return, including distributions. The one-year total return is 14.31%, and the three-year total return is 59.79%.

For a simple example, if you had invested $10,000 based on the estimated price from roughly one year ago ($25.21), the price-only increase would have grown that amount to approximately $10,971.

Income and distribution explanation

This ETF pays out cash to investors, known as distributions. It has a distribution yield of approximately 4.01%. Over the last 12 months, it made two payouts. The frequency of these payments is described as irregular or less frequent.

It is important for beginners to remember that a high distribution yield alone can be misleading. While distributions provide cash income, they do not guarantee that the original investment value will stay the same.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV erosion" happens when the actual value of the fund's underlying assets drops significantly over time. This ETF has an erosion-risk score of 100, and the label states "No price erosion detected." The erosion severity is rated as "good," and there is no severe erosion-risk flag.

Pros

• Strong Total Returns: The total returns over one and three years are higher than the price-only returns.

• No Erosion Detected: The fund currently shows a "good" erosion-risk measurement.

• Diversified Infrastructure: It holds a variety of assets, including airports and energy companies.

Cons

• Irregular Income: Distributions are not paid on a steady, predictable schedule.

• Emerging Market Risk: The fund focuses on emerging markets, which can be different from investing in domestic companies.

Beginner takeaway

EMIF provides a way to invest in infrastructure across emerging markets. It has shown growth in both share price and total return over the last three years. While it offers a distribution yield of about 4.01%, these payments are irregular. Investors generally look for principal stability to ensure their original investment doesn't shrink while they collect income.