KSA vs. EMSF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

KSA (iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF) and EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. KSA is passively managed, while EMSF is actively managed. Over the past year, KSA returned 1.77% vs 42.52% for EMSF. Their 0.37 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. KSA charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for EMSF.

Performance

KSA vs. EMSF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KSA achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly lower than EMSF's 30.73% return.

KSA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -1.12%
• 6M: -5.86%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 1Y: 1.77%
• 3Y*: -0.88%
• 5Y*: 1.13%
• 10Y*: 7.99%
• ALL TIME*: 6.02%

EMSF

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -8.36%
• 6M: 17.49%
• YTD: 30.73%
• 1Y: 42.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.92%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	$80.02K	$93.23K	$184.42K
KSA iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF	$20.82M	$19.40M	$19.77M

KSA vs. EMSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
KSA iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF	3.06%	-8.20%	-0.19%	10.64%
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	30.73%	19.20%	-3.09%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between KSA and EMSF is 0.32, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2023	0.37

KSA vs. EMSF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KSA	EMSF
Financial Services	41.1%	15.0%
Basic Materials	13.0%	-
Energy	12.7%	-
Communication Services	8.2%	1.7%
Healthcare	4.7%	6.0%
Utilities	4.6%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.3%	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	3.6%
Industrials	3.5%	11.0%
Real Estate	2.5%	1.6%
Technology	1.7%	52.8%

Return for Risk

KSA vs. EMSF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

KSA

KSA Risk / Return Rank: 12
KSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
KSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
KSA Omega Ratio Rank: 12
KSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
KSA Martin Ratio Rank: 12

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 57
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 58
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 59

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

KSA vs. EMSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF). 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.

	KSA	EMSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.07	1.36	-1.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.24	1.86	-1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.25	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.10	2.10	-2.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.20	7.05	-6.85

KSA vs. EMSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KSA Sharpe Ratio is 0.07, which is lower than the EMSF Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KSA and EMSF, 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

KSA vs. EMSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KSA drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, which is greater than EMSF's maximum drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KSA and EMSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	KSA	EMSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-24.75%	-15.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.62%	-19.49%	+7.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.20%	-15.62%	-2.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.51%	-5.91%	-5.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.53%	5.80%	-0.27%

Volatility

KSA vs. EMSF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) is 2.83%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) has a volatility of 10.79%. This indicates that KSA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KSA	EMSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.83%	10.79%	-7.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.45%	26.54%	-15.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.37%	30.10%	-13.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.95%	24.40%	-8.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	24.40%	-4.42%

KSA vs. EMSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

KSA has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than EMSF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

KSA vs. EMSF - Dividend Comparison

KSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, more than EMSF's 1.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.44%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KSA iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF	2.79%	2.95%	3.44%	2.44%	1.93%	1.58%	1.76%	2.15%	2.51%	2.30%	3.05%	0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KSA and EMSF in my portfolio?

KSA and EMSF have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KSA or EMSF?

EMSF has higher volatility (10.79%) compared to KSA (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KSA dropped -40.56% vs EMSF's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, KSA or EMSF?

On 1-year performance, EMSF leads with 42.52% vs 1.77% for KSA. On fees, KSA is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, KSA has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KSA or EMSF?

Over the 1-year period, EMSF has performed better with a 42.52% return vs 1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KSA or EMSF?

KSA is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for EMSF.

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

KSA has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 1.44% for EMSF.

What is the main difference between KSA and EMSF?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for KSA and 0.79% for EMSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 0.07), 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.