MEMS vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. MEMS is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Over the past year, MEMS returned 30.31% vs 49.24% for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MEMS charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

MEMS vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMS achieves a 23.66% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 24.98% return.

MEMS

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 23.66%
• 6M: 23.51%
• 1Y: 30.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 24.98%
• 6M: 27.43%
• 1Y: 49.24%
• 3Y*: 23.19%
• 5Y*: 7.36%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

MEMS vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	23.66%	11.12%	-5.68%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	24.98%	32.56%	9.35%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMS and IEMG is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2024	0.84

The correlation between MEMS and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

MEMS vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MEMS	IEMG
Technology	31.3%	35.0%
Financial Services	16.2%	18.4%
Industrials	16.0%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.0%	9.5%
Healthcare	8.4%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	3.3%
Real Estate	3.4%	1.7%
Energy	3.2%	3.8%
Communication Services	2.8%	6.4%
Basic Materials	1.4%	6.9%
Utilities	1.0%	2.2%

Return for Risk

MEMS vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEMS

MEMS Risk / Return Rank: 44
MEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 77
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	MEMS	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	2.55	-1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	3.34	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.47	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	3.74	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.52	14.39	-6.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MEMS vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMS and IEMG, 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

	MEMS	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	2.55	-1.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.35	+0.24

Drawdowns

MEMS vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMS drawdown since its inception was -22.24%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMS and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMS	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.24%	-38.71%	+16.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.05%	-13.21%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.94%	-2.30%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.22%	-12.97%	+7.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	3.43%	+0.61%

Volatility

MEMS vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is 7.34%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 8.24%. This indicates that MEMS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMS	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.34%	8.24%	-0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.64%	16.97%	+0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.98%	19.47%	+1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.42%	18.38%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.42%	20.03%	-0.61%

MEMS vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMS has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMS vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

MEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than IEMG's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.20%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.27%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMS and IEMG in my portfolio?

MEMS and IEMG have a correlation of 0.86, 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 IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (8.24%) compared to MEMS (7.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMS dropped -22.24% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, MEMS or IEMG?

On 1-year performance, IEMG leads with 49.24% vs 30.31% for MEMS. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, MEMS has been the lower-risk option at 7.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMS or IEMG?

Over the 1-year period, IEMG has performed better with a 49.24% return vs 30.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMS or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for MEMS.

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

MEMS has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 2.20% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between MEMS and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for MEMS and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.45), 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.