MEMS vs. XC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MEMS (Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF) and XC (WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. MEMS is actively managed, while XC is passively managed. Over the past year, MEMS returned 34.10% vs 9.24% for XC. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEMS charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for XC.

Performance

MEMS vs. XC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMS achieves a 27.41% return, which is significantly higher than XC's -0.72% return.

MEMS

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 4.44%
• YTD: 27.41%
• 6M: 27.66%
• 1Y: 34.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XC

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: -0.72%
• 6M: -0.57%
• 1Y: 9.24%
• 3Y*: 10.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEMS vs. XC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	27.41%	11.12%	-5.32%
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	-0.72%	18.19%	8.06%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMS and XC is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.73

The correlation between MEMS and XC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEMS vs. XC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEMS

MEMS Risk / Return Rank: 49
MEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
MEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 46
MEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
MEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

XC

XC Risk / Return Rank: 18
XC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XC Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XC Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
XC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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. XC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC). 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	XC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	0.62	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	0.99	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.12	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	0.74	+1.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.37	1.98	+6.39

MEMS vs. XC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is higher than the XC Sharpe Ratio of 0.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMS and XC, 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. XC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMS drawdown since its inception was -22.24%, which is greater than XC's maximum drawdown of -20.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMS and XC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMS	XC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.24%	-20.97%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.05%	-12.47%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-6.77%	+6.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.17%	-4.16%	-1.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	4.67%	-0.59%

Volatility

MEMS vs. XC - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) has a higher volatility of 8.16% compared to WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) at 4.85%. This indicates that MEMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMS	XC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.16%	4.85%	+3.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.86%	13.18%	+5.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.56%	15.06%	+6.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.78%	15.91%	+3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.78%	15.91%	+3.87%

MEMS vs. XC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MEMS vs. XC - Dividend Comparison

MEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.21%, less than XC's 12.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
MEMS Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF	2.21%	2.81%	1.42%	0.00%	0.00%
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	12.07%	11.74%	1.49%	1.42%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMS and XC in my portfolio?

MEMS and XC have a correlation of 0.76, 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 XC?

MEMS has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to XC (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMS dropped -22.24% vs XC's -20.97%.

Which ETF is better, MEMS or XC?

On 1-year performance, MEMS leads with 34.10% vs 9.24% for XC. On fees, XC is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, XC has been the lower-risk option at 4.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMS or XC?

Over the 1-year period, MEMS has performed better with a 34.10% return vs 9.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMS or XC?

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

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

XC has the higher dividend yield at 12.07%, compared with 2.21% for MEMS.

What is the main difference between MEMS and XC?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 0.62), 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.