BBEM vs. MEMX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. BBEM is passively managed, while MEMX is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BBEM returned 18.48%/yr vs 22.25%/yr for MEMX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBEM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for MEMX.

Performance

BBEM vs. MEMX - 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 Ex China Active ETF (MEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBEM achieves a 18.28% return, which is significantly lower than MEMX's 23.89% return.

BBEM

• 1D: -3.47%
• 1M: -3.97%
• 6M: 11.88%
• YTD: 18.28%
• 1Y: 35.68%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEMX

• 1D: -3.50%
• 1M: -4.56%
• 6M: 17.40%
• YTD: 23.89%
• 1Y: 49.73%
• 3Y*: 22.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BBEM vs. MEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	18.28%	32.43%	5.61%	6.01%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	23.89%	35.88%	5.50%	11.10%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and MEMX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2023	0.86

The correlation between BBEM and MEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. MEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 62
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

MEMX

MEMX Risk / Return Rank: 77
MEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
MEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
MEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
MEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
MEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. MEMX - 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 Ex China Active ETF (MEMX). 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	MEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.97	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.51	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.36	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	3.40	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.53	12.15	-2.62

BBEM vs. MEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the MEMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBEM and MEMX, 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. MEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBEM drawdown since its inception was -17.42%, smaller than the maximum MEMX drawdown of -19.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBEM and MEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBEM	MEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.42%	-19.27%	+1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.12%	-14.70%	+1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	-19.27%	+1.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.67%	-9.93%	+1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-3.53%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	4.10%	-0.35%

Volatility

BBEM vs. MEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) is 11.10%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a volatility of 11.99%. This indicates that BBEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBEM	MEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.10%	11.99%	-0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.20%	23.44%	-2.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.11%	25.41%	-2.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.66%	18.43%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.66%	18.43%	+0.23%

BBEM vs. MEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBEM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than MEMX's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBEM vs. MEMX - Dividend Comparison

BBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.90%, more than MEMX's 3.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.90%	5.86%	2.73%	1.94%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	3.94%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBEM and MEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BBEM and MEMX 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, BBEM or MEMX?

MEMX has higher volatility (11.99%) compared to BBEM (11.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBEM dropped -17.42% vs MEMX's -19.27%.

Which ETF is better, BBEM or MEMX?

On 3-year performance, MEMX leads with 22.25% vs 18.48% for BBEM. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BBEM has been the lower-risk option at 11.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBEM or MEMX?

Over the 3-year period, MEMX has performed better with a 22.25% return vs 18.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBEM or MEMX?

BBEM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEMX.

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

BBEM has the higher dividend yield at 4.90%, compared with 3.94% for MEMX.

What is the main difference between BBEM and MEMX?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BBEM and 0.79% for MEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.55), 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.