BAMU vs. MEMS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) and MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone, while MEMS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BAMU returned 2.89% vs 25.27% for MEMS. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. BAMU charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for MEMS.

Performance

BAMU vs. MEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) and Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BAMU achieves a 1.20% return, which is significantly lower than MEMS's 22.63% return.

BAMU

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.20%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEMS

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 22.63%
• 6M: 22.20%
• 1Y: 25.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BAMU vs. MEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.20%	3.21%	4.04%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	22.63%	11.12%	-5.32%

Correlation

The correlation between BAMU and MEMS is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	-0.07

Return for Risk

BAMU vs. MEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 99
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

MEMS

MEMS Risk / Return Rank: 39
MEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 36
MEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

BAMU vs. MEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) and Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS). 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.

	BAMU	MEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.98	1.16	+3.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	8.77	1.69	+7.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.42	1.22	+1.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	24.55	1.95	+22.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	97.21	6.18	+91.03

BAMU vs. MEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAMU Sharpe Ratio is 4.98, which is higher than the MEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAMU and MEMS, 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

BAMU vs. MEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAMU drawdown since its inception was -0.36%, smaller than the maximum MEMS drawdown of -22.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAMU and MEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAMU	MEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-22.24%	+21.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.12%	-13.05%	+12.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.77%	+3.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.02%	-5.16%	+5.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.03%	4.10%	-4.07%

Volatility

BAMU vs. MEMS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) is 0.08%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) has a volatility of 9.16%. This indicates that BAMU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAMU	MEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.08%	9.16%	-9.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.39%	19.32%	-18.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58%	21.93%	-21.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.86%	19.93%	-19.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.86%	19.93%	-19.07%

BAMU vs. MEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAMU has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than MEMS's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAMU vs. MEMS - Dividend Comparison

BAMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than MEMS's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.29%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAMU and MEMS in my portfolio?

BAMU and MEMS have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BAMU or MEMS?

MEMS has higher volatility (9.16%) compared to BAMU (0.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAMU dropped -0.36% vs MEMS's -22.24%.

Which ETF is better, BAMU or MEMS?

On 1-year performance, MEMS leads with 25.27% vs 2.89% for BAMU. On fees, MEMS is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAMU or MEMS?

Over the 1-year period, MEMS has performed better with a 25.27% return vs 2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAMU or MEMS?

MEMS is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BAMU or MEMS?

BAMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 2.29% for MEMS.

What is the main difference between BAMU and MEMS?

BAMU is categorized as Ultrashort Bond, while MEMS is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Brookstone and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 1.09% for BAMU and 0.89% for MEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.98 vs 1.16), 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.