EMSF vs. MCH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) and MCH (Matthews China Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMSF is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews, while MCH is a China Equities fund actively managed by Matthews. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EMSF returned 63.33% vs 28.39% for MCH. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

EMSF vs. MCH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) and Matthews China Active ETF (MCH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMSF achieves a 45.34% return, which is significantly higher than MCH's 3.98% return.

EMSF

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 8.61%
• YTD: 45.34%
• 6M: 40.08%
• 1Y: 63.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MCH

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 4.48%
• YTD: 3.98%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 13.10%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMSF vs. MCH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	45.34%	19.20%	-3.09%	1.88%
MCH Matthews China Active ETF	3.98%	30.20%	17.32%	-8.02%

Correlation

The correlation between EMSF and MCH is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2023	0.70

The correlation between EMSF and MCH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMSF vs. MCH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMSF	MCH
Technology	43.6%	15.0%
Financial Services	16.6%	25.5%
Industrials	15.0%	12.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	16.2%
Healthcare	6.8%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	0.6%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	13.2%
Real Estate	1.6%	2.7%
Basic Materials	-	9.5%
Energy	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

EMSF vs. MCH — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 76
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 72
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 76

MCH

MCH Risk / Return Rank: 38
MCH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
MCH Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
MCH Omega Ratio Rank: 38
MCH Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
MCH Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

EMSF vs. MCH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) and Matthews China Active ETF (MCH). 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.

	EMSF	MCH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	1.41	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.03	+1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.25	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.37	1.90	+2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.61	5.10	+9.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMSF vs. MCH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is higher than the MCH Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMSF and MCH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EMSF	MCH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.51	1.41	+1.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.98	0.19	+0.79

Drawdowns

EMSF vs. MCH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMSF drawdown since its inception was -24.75%, smaller than the maximum MCH drawdown of -40.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMSF and MCH.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMSF	MCH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.75%	-40.53%	+15.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.57%	-15.05%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-3.41%	+2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.72%	-18.50%	+12.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	5.58%	-1.23%

Volatility

EMSF vs. MCH - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) has a higher volatility of 9.96% compared to Matthews China Active ETF (MCH) at 6.72%. This indicates that EMSF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MCH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMSF	MCH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.96%	6.72%	+3.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.98%	14.45%	+7.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.35%	20.18%	+5.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.75%	29.53%	-6.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.75%	29.53%	-6.78%

EMSF vs. MCH - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EMSF and MCH have an expense ratio of 0.79%.

Dividends

EMSF vs. MCH - Dividend Comparison

EMSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than MCH's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.30%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%
MCH Matthews China Active ETF	1.69%	1.76%	1.31%	1.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMSF and MCH in my portfolio?

EMSF and MCH have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMSF or MCH?

EMSF has higher volatility (9.96%) compared to MCH (6.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMSF dropped -24.75% vs MCH's -40.53%.

Which ETF is better, EMSF or MCH?

On 1-year performance, EMSF leads with 63.33% vs 28.39% for MCH. Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. On volatility, MCH has been the lower-risk option at 6.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMSF or MCH?

Over the 1-year period, EMSF has performed better with a 63.33% return vs 28.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMSF or MCH?

EMSF and MCH have the same expense ratio: 0.79% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMSF or MCH?

MCH has the higher dividend yield at 1.69%, compared with 1.30% for EMSF.

What is the main difference between EMSF and MCH?

EMSF is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while MCH is China Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 1.41), 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.