MEMS vs. VEXC
MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. MEMS is actively managed, while VEXC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MEMS charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.
Performance
MEMS vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MEMS having a 20.04% return and VEXC slightly higher at 20.14%.
MEMS
- 1D
- 3.08%
- 1M
- -3.07%
- 6M
- 12.20%
- YTD
- 20.04%
- 1Y
- 22.43%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 9.53%
VEXC
- 1D
- 1.83%
- 1M
- -0.16%
- 6M
- 11.92%
- YTD
- 20.14%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27.68K | $28.35K | $30.35K | |
| $2.04M | $2.15M | $2.88M |
MEMS vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF | 20.04% | -2.70% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 20.14% | 4.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between MEMS and VEXC is 0.86, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025 | 0.86 |
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Return for Risk
MEMS vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank
MEMS
VEXC
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
MEMS vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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 | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.18 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.69 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.73 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
MEMS vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MEMS drawdown since its inception was -22.24%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMS and VEXC.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MEMS | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.24% | -12.42% | -9.82% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.29% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.80% | -3.75% | -2.05% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.24% | -2.63% | -2.61% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.76% | — | — |
Volatility
MEMS vs. VEXC - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| MEMS | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.18% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 20.68% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.97% | 20.43% | +2.54% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.18% | 20.43% | -0.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.18% | 20.43% | -0.25% |
MEMS vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison
MEMS has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
MEMS vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison
MEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, more than VEXC's 1.43% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF | 2.34% | 2.81% | 1.42% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.43% | 0.43% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MEMS and VEXC 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.
On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for MEMS.
MEMS has the higher dividend yield at 2.34%, compared with 1.43% for VEXC.
They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for MEMS and 0.07% for VEXC.
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