ASIA vs. AIA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ASIA (Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF) and AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds. ASIA is actively managed, while AIA is passively managed. Over the past year, ASIA returned 58.06% vs 80.75% for AIA. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASIA charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for AIA.

Performance

ASIA vs. AIA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASIA achieves a 29.48% return, which is significantly lower than AIA's 43.04% return.

ASIA

• 1D: -6.60%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 29.48%
• 6M: 31.09%
• 1Y: 58.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIA

• 1D: -7.46%
• 1M: 3.93%
• YTD: 43.04%
• 6M: 46.22%
• 1Y: 80.75%
• 3Y*: 36.18%
• 5Y*: 11.29%
• 10Y*: 14.96%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ASIA vs. AIA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	29.48%	32.06%	3.41%	0.01%
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	43.04%	47.79%	20.26%	6.90%

Correlation

The correlation between ASIA and AIA is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2023	0.94

The correlation between ASIA and AIA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

ASIA vs. AIA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ASIA	AIA
Technology	55.9%	63.8%
Financial Services	14.6%	16.4%
Industrials	9.2%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	8.6%
Communication Services	3.9%	7.4%
Energy	3.0%	0.6%
Healthcare	2.9%	0.8%
Real Estate	2.5%	0.5%
Basic Materials	1.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ASIA vs. AIA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ASIA

ASIA Risk / Return Rank: 76
ASIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
ASIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ASIA Omega Ratio Rank: 80
ASIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ASIA Martin Ratio Rank: 78

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 86
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 84
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ASIA vs. AIA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ASIA	AIA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.75	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.20	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.48	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	5.74	-1.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	19.64	-5.37

ASIA vs. AIA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASIA Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the AIA Sharpe Ratio of 2.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASIA and AIA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ASIA vs. AIA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASIA drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum AIA drawdown of -60.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASIA and AIA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASIA	AIA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-60.89%	+36.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.47%	-14.15%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-50.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-54.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.60%	-7.46%	+0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.84%	-16.64%	+11.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	4.13%	-0.05%

Volatility

ASIA vs. AIA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) is 15.17%, while iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a volatility of 16.92%. This indicates that ASIA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASIA	AIA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.17%	16.92%	-1.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.95%	26.32%	-3.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.30%	29.51%	-4.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.63%	26.34%	-4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.63%	23.93%	-2.30%

ASIA vs. AIA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASIA has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than AIA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASIA vs. AIA - Dividend Comparison

ASIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.81%, less than AIA's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.54%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
ASIA Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF	0.81%	1.05%	0.58%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASIA and AIA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, ASIA and AIA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ASIA or AIA?

AIA has higher volatility (16.92%) compared to ASIA (15.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASIA dropped -23.95% vs AIA's -60.89%.

Which ETF is better, ASIA or AIA?

On 1-year performance, AIA leads with 80.75% vs 58.06% for ASIA. On fees, AIA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ASIA has been the lower-risk option at 15.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASIA or AIA?

Over the 1-year period, AIA has performed better with a 80.75% return vs 58.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASIA or AIA?

AIA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ASIA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASIA or AIA?

AIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.81% for ASIA.

What is the main difference between ASIA and AIA?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ASIA and 0.50% for AIA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 2.31), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.