EMSF vs. MEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) and MEM (Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds from Matthews. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EMSF returned 58.48% vs 46.10% for MEM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

EMSF vs. MEM - 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 Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMSF achieves a 45.49% return, which is significantly higher than MEM's 24.68% return.

EMSF

• 1D: -6.10%
• 1M: 5.39%
• YTD: 45.49%
• 6M: 45.93%
• 1Y: 58.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEM

• 1D: -5.79%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 24.68%
• 6M: 25.39%
• 1Y: 46.10%
• 3Y*: 21.88%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMSF vs. MEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	45.49%	19.20%	-3.09%	0.98%
MEM Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	24.68%	28.31%	10.11%	6.60%

Correlation

The correlation between EMSF and MEM is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2023	0.88

The correlation between EMSF and MEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMSF vs. MEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 71
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 68
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 75

MEM

MEM Risk / Return Rank: 65
MEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
MEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
MEM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
MEM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. MEM - 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 Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM). 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.

	EMSF	MEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.97	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	2.58	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.36	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	3.17	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	11.12	+2.02

EMSF vs. MEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the MEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMSF and MEM, 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

EMSF vs. MEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMSF drawdown since its inception was -24.75%, which is greater than MEM's maximum drawdown of -19.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMSF and MEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMSF	MEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.75%	-19.10%	-5.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.57%	-14.62%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.10%	-5.79%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.72%	-4.73%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.46%	4.16%	+0.30%

Volatility

EMSF vs. MEM - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) has a higher volatility of 14.20% compared to Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) at 12.91%. This indicates that EMSF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMSF	MEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.20%	12.91%	+1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.49%	21.33%	+3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.21%	23.57%	+4.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.87%	19.10%	+4.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.87%	19.10%	+4.77%

EMSF vs. MEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EMSF vs. MEM - Dividend Comparison

EMSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, less than MEM's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.29%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%	0.00%
MEM Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	2.86%	3.56%	7.81%	0.01%	0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMSF and MEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, EMSF and MEM 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, EMSF or MEM?

EMSF has higher volatility (14.20%) compared to MEM (12.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMSF dropped -24.75% vs MEM's -19.10%.

Which ETF is better, EMSF or MEM?

On 1-year performance, EMSF leads with 58.48% vs 46.10% for MEM. Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. On volatility, MEM has been the lower-risk option at 12.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMSF or MEM?

Over the 1-year period, EMSF has performed better with a 58.48% return vs 46.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMSF or MEM?

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

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

MEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.86%, compared with 1.29% for EMSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.97), 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.