BBEM vs. MEMS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. BBEM is passively managed, while MEMS is actively managed. Over the past year, BBEM returned 44.01% vs 27.58% for MEMS. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBEM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for MEMS.

Performance

BBEM vs. MEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BBEM having a 21.92% return and MEMS slightly higher at 22.13%.

BBEM

• 1D: -5.86%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 22.38%
• 1Y: 44.01%
• 3Y*: 21.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEMS

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 22.13%
• 6M: 21.85%
• 1Y: 27.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BBEM vs. MEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	21.92%	32.43%	8.85%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	22.13%	11.12%	-5.32%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and MEMS is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.81

The correlation between BBEM and MEMS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. MEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 67
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

MEMS

MEMS Risk / Return Rank: 41
MEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 38
MEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

BBEM vs. MEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) 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.

	BBEM	MEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.26	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	1.81	+0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.23	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	2.12	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.56	6.76	+5.80

BBEM vs. MEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is higher than the MEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBEM 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

BBEM vs. MEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBEM drawdown since its inception was -17.42%, smaller than the maximum MEMS drawdown of -22.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBEM and MEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBEM	MEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.42%	-22.24%	+4.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.12%	-13.05%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.86%	-4.16%	-1.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-5.17%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.51%	4.09%	-0.58%

Volatility

BBEM vs. MEMS - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) has a higher volatility of 12.60% compared to Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) at 9.34%. This indicates that BBEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBEM	MEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.60%	9.34%	+3.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.54%	19.36%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.39%	21.93%	+0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	19.95%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.48%	19.95%	-1.47%

BBEM vs. MEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBEM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than MEMS's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBEM vs. MEMS - Dividend Comparison

BBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, more than MEMS's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.78%	5.86%	2.73%	1.94%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.30%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBEM and MEMS in my portfolio?

BBEM and MEMS have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBEM or MEMS?

BBEM has higher volatility (12.60%) compared to MEMS (9.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBEM dropped -17.42% vs MEMS's -22.24%.

Which ETF is better, BBEM or MEMS?

On 1-year performance, BBEM leads with 44.01% vs 27.58% for MEMS. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, MEMS has been the lower-risk option at 9.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBEM or MEMS?

Over the 1-year period, BBEM has performed better with a 44.01% return vs 27.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBEM or MEMS?

BBEM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for MEMS.

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

BBEM has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 2.30% for MEMS.

What is the main difference between BBEM and MEMS?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BBEM and 0.89% for MEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.26), 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.