MEMX vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews, while BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MEMX returned 62.81% vs 2.87% for BAMU. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. MEMX charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

MEMX vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMX achieves a 29.86% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.18% return.

MEMX

• 1D: -5.58%
• 1M: 3.50%
• YTD: 29.86%
• 6M: 31.95%
• 1Y: 62.81%
• 3Y*: 25.58%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BAMU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.29%
• 1Y: 2.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MEMX vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	29.86%	35.88%	5.50%	11.30%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.18%	3.21%	4.14%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMX and BAMU is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	-0.06

Return for Risk

MEMX vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEMX

MEMX Risk / Return Rank: 83
MEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
MEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
MEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
MEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
MEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 98
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

MEMX vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	MEMX	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	4.94	-2.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	8.71	-5.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	2.41	-0.94
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	24.37	-20.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.40	96.52	-80.12

MEMX vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is lower than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 4.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMX and BAMU, 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

MEMX vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMX drawdown since its inception was -19.27%, which is greater than BAMU's maximum drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMX and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMX	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.27%	-0.36%	-18.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-0.12%	-14.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	0.00%	-5.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-0.02%	-3.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.84%	0.03%	+3.81%

Volatility

MEMX vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a higher volatility of 13.33% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.09%. This indicates that MEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMX	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.33%	0.09%	+13.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.43%	0.39%	+22.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.53%	0.58%	+23.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.15%	0.87%	+17.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.15%	0.87%	+17.28%

MEMX vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMX vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

MEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, more than BAMU's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	3.76%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMX and BAMU in my portfolio?

MEMX and BAMU have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEMX or BAMU?

MEMX has higher volatility (13.33%) compared to BAMU (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMX dropped -19.27% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, MEMX or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, MEMX leads with 62.81% vs 2.87% for BAMU. On fees, MEMX is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMX or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, MEMX has performed better with a 62.81% return vs 2.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMX or BAMU?

MEMX is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MEMX or BAMU?

MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 3.76%, compared with 3.05% for BAMU.

What is the main difference between MEMX and BAMU?

MEMX is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while BAMU is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MEMX and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.94 vs 2.57), 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.