MEMA vs. PEMX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

MEMA (Man Active Emerging Markets Alternative ETF) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.85% expense ratio.

Performance

MEMA vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Man Active Emerging Markets Alternative ETF (MEMA) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMA achieves a 14.06% return, which is significantly lower than PEMX's 27.26% return.

MEMA

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: -8.94%
• 6M: 7.66%
• YTD: 14.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -9.29%
• 6M: 19.73%
• YTD: 27.26%
• 1Y: 46.75%
• 3Y*: 28.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEMA vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MEMA Man Active Emerging Markets Alternative ETF	14.06%	2.94%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	27.26%	4.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMA and PEMX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

MEMA vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEMA

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 72
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

MEMA vs. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Man Active Emerging Markets Alternative ETF (MEMA) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

	MEMA	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.79	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.30	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.32	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.25	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.60	—

Drawdowns

MEMA vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMA drawdown since its inception was -13.12%, smaller than the maximum PEMX drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMA and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMA	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.12%	-14.91%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.45%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.98%	-13.93%	+2.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.41%	-2.97%	-0.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.42%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MEMA	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.30%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.36%	26.23%	+2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.36%	19.90%	+8.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.36%	19.90%	+8.46%

MEMA vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MEMA and PEMX have an expense ratio of 0.85%.

Dividends

MEMA vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

MEMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.30%, less than PEMX's 5.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEMA Man Active Emerging Markets Alternative ETF	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.50%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMA and PEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MEMA and PEMX 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 ETF is better, MEMA or PEMX?

Both ETFs have the same 0.85% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMA or PEMX?

MEMA and PEMX have the same expense ratio: 0.85% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEMA or PEMX?

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.50%, compared with 0.30% for MEMA.

What is the main difference between MEMA and PEMX?

They also come from different issuers: Man Group and Putnam.