MEMS vs. EMDM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) and EMDM (First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. MEMS is actively managed, while EMDM is passively managed. Over the past year, MEMS returned 24.01% vs 81.08% for EMDM. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEMS charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for EMDM.

Performance

MEMS vs. EMDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMS achieves a 21.77% return, which is significantly lower than EMDM's 38.44% return.

MEMS

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -2.38%
• YTD: 21.77%
• 6M: 21.34%
• 1Y: 24.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMDM

• 1D: 2.36%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 38.44%
• 6M: 40.54%
• 1Y: 81.08%
• 3Y*: 31.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEMS vs. EMDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	21.77%	11.12%	-5.32%
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	38.44%	59.68%	-0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMS and EMDM is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.77

The correlation between MEMS and EMDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEMS vs. EMDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEMS

MEMS Risk / Return Rank: 35
MEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
MEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
MEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 33
MEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
MEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 40

EMDM

EMDM Risk / Return Rank: 92
EMDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
EMDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
EMDM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
EMDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
EMDM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

MEMS vs. EMDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). 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.

	MEMS	EMDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	3.12	-2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	3.63	-2.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.54	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	5.21	-3.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.86	20.52	-14.66

MEMS vs. EMDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the EMDM Sharpe Ratio of 3.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMS and EMDM, 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

MEMS vs. EMDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMS drawdown since its inception was -22.24%, which is greater than EMDM's maximum drawdown of -18.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMS and EMDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMS	EMDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.24%	-18.81%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.05%	-15.65%	+2.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-3.51%	-0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-4.06%	-1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.11%	3.96%	+0.15%

Volatility

MEMS vs. EMDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is 8.88%, while First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM) has a volatility of 12.64%. This indicates that MEMS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMS	EMDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	12.64%	-3.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.33%	23.91%	-4.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.83%	26.09%	-4.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.92%	20.68%	-0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.92%	20.68%	-0.76%

MEMS vs. EMDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMS has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than EMDM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMS vs. EMDM - Dividend Comparison

MEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, less than EMDM's 3.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	3.00%	3.57%	5.87%	2.16%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.31%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMS and EMDM in my portfolio?

MEMS and EMDM have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEMS or EMDM?

EMDM has higher volatility (12.64%) compared to MEMS (8.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMS dropped -22.24% vs EMDM's -18.81%.

Which ETF is better, MEMS or EMDM?

On 1-year performance, EMDM leads with 81.08% vs 24.01% for MEMS. On fees, EMDM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, MEMS has been the lower-risk option at 8.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMS or EMDM?

Over the 1-year period, EMDM has performed better with a 81.08% return vs 24.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMS or EMDM?

EMDM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for MEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEMS or EMDM?

EMDM has the higher dividend yield at 3.00%, compared with 2.31% for MEMS.

What is the main difference between MEMS and EMDM?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for MEMS and 0.75% for EMDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 vs 1.10), 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.