MEMS vs. STXE

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) and STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. MEMS is actively managed, while STXE is passively managed. Over the past year, MEMS returned 24.01% vs 75.36% for STXE. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEMS charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for STXE.

Performance

MEMS vs. STXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). 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 STXE's 47.26% return.

MEMS

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

STXE

• 1D: 2.16%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 47.26%
• 6M: 49.04%
• 1Y: 75.36%
• 3Y*: 29.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEMS vs. STXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	21.77%	11.12%	-5.32%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	47.26%	34.23%	4.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMS and STXE is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.73

The correlation between MEMS and STXE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEMS vs. STXE — 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

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 91
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 91
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. STXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). 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	STXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	2.84	-1.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	3.38	-1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.52	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	5.22	-3.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.86	20.02	-14.16

MEMS vs. STXE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the STXE Sharpe Ratio of 2.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMS and STXE, 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. STXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMS drawdown since its inception was -22.24%, which is greater than STXE's maximum drawdown of -18.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMS and STXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMS	STXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.24%	-18.92%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.05%	-14.51%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-4.34%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-3.72%	-1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.11%	3.78%	+0.33%

Volatility

MEMS vs. STXE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is 8.88%, while Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) has a volatility of 14.90%. This indicates that MEMS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMS	STXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	14.90%	-6.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.33%	25.01%	-5.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.83%	26.65%	-4.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.92%	19.09%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.92%	19.09%	+0.83%

MEMS vs. STXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMS has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than STXE's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMS vs. STXE - Dividend Comparison

MEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than STXE's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.31%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.83%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMS and STXE in my portfolio?

MEMS and STXE have a correlation of 0.79, 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 STXE?

STXE has higher volatility (14.90%) compared to MEMS (8.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMS dropped -22.24% vs STXE's -18.92%.

Which ETF is better, MEMS or STXE?

On 1-year performance, STXE leads with 75.36% vs 24.01% for MEMS. On fees, STXE is cheaper at 0.32% 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 STXE?

Over the 1-year period, STXE has performed better with a 75.36% 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 STXE?

STXE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for MEMS.

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

MEMS has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.83% for STXE.

What is the main difference between MEMS and STXE?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Strive. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for MEMS and 0.32% for STXE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 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.