MEMX vs. EMFIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) and EMFIX (Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 3 years, MEMX returned 25.58%/yr vs 23.78%/yr for EMFIX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEMX charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.17%/yr for EMFIX.

Performance

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX). 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 lower than EMFIX's 32.65% return.

MEMX

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

EMFIX

• 1D: 2.34%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 32.65%
• 6M: 35.12%
• 1Y: 62.00%
• 3Y*: 23.78%
• 5Y*: 7.94%
• 10Y*: 14.10%

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

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	29.86%	35.88%	5.50%	11.33%
EMFIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund	32.65%	35.16%	7.08%	4.41%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMX and EMFIX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2023	0.78

The correlation between MEMX and EMFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEMX vs. EMFIX — 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

EMFIX

EMFIX Risk / Return Rank: 90
EMFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
EMFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
EMFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
EMFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
EMFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. EMFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX). 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	EMFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	3.07	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.82	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.55	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	4.64	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.40	16.77	-0.37

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the EMFIX Sharpe Ratio of 3.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMX and EMFIX, 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. EMFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMX drawdown since its inception was -19.27%, smaller than the maximum EMFIX drawdown of -44.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMX and EMFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMX	EMFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.27%	-44.99%	+25.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-13.20%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-19.91%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-42.41%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.54%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	0.00%	-5.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-16.89%	+13.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.84%	3.65%	+0.19%

Volatility

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a higher volatility of 13.33% compared to Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX) at 9.45%. This indicates that MEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EMFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMX	EMFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.33%	9.45%	+3.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.43%	17.36%	+5.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.53%	19.98%	+4.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.15%	19.29%	-1.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.15%	19.81%	-1.66%

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than EMFIX's 1.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMX vs. EMFIX - Dividend Comparison

MEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, more than EMFIX's 1.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EMFIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund	1.23%	1.65%	0.61%	1.25%	0.82%	22.32%	2.32%	2.16%	0.82%	2.12%	1.00%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	3.76%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMX and EMFIX in my portfolio?

MEMX and EMFIX have a correlation of 0.77, 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 EMFIX?

MEMX has higher volatility (13.33%) compared to EMFIX (9.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMX dropped -19.27% vs EMFIX's -44.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.07 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.