MEMX vs. IMOM
MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) and IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews, while IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR). MEMX is actively managed, while IMOM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MEMX returned 28.01%/yr vs 24.53%/yr for IMOM. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEMX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IMOM.
Performance
MEMX vs. IMOM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MEMX achieves a 37.54% return, which is significantly higher than IMOM's 17.21% return.
MEMX
- 1D
- 0.22%
- 1M
- 9.62%
- YTD
- 37.54%
- 6M
- 41.09%
- 1Y
- 73.16%
- 3Y*
- 28.01%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IMOM
- 1D
- 1.08%
- 1M
- -0.40%
- YTD
- 17.21%
- 6M
- 17.04%
- 1Y
- 40.78%
- 3Y*
- 24.53%
- 5Y*
- 9.06%
- 10Y*
- 7.70%
MEMX vs. IMOM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF | 37.54% | 35.88% | 5.50% | 11.33% |
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF | 17.21% | 47.20% | 5.22% | 7.77% |
Correlation
The correlation between MEMX and IMOM is 0.69, 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 | 0.69 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.69 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2023 | 0.70 |
The correlation between MEMX and IMOM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MEMX vs. IMOM — Risk / Return Rank
MEMX
IMOM
MEMX vs. IMOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM). 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 | IMOM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.08 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.07 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.55 | 1.37 | +0.19 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 5.00 | 2.63 | +2.38 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 19.19 | 10.55 | +8.64 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MEMX vs. IMOM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MEMX drawdown since its inception was -19.27%, smaller than the maximum IMOM drawdown of -45.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMX and IMOM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MEMX | IMOM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.27% | -45.74% | +26.47% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.70% | -15.61% | +0.91% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.27% | -17.51% | -1.76% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -39.27% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -45.74% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | -3.14% | +3.14% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.48% | -14.13% | +10.65% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.83% | 3.88% | -0.05% |
Volatility
MEMX vs. IMOM - Volatility Comparison
Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a higher volatility of 11.89% compared to Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) at 7.84%. This indicates that MEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IMOM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MEMX | IMOM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.89% | 7.84% | +4.05% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 21.63% | 17.99% | +3.64% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 23.88% | 20.51% | +3.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.90% | 20.03% | -2.13% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.90% | 20.26% | -2.36% |
MEMX vs. IMOM - Expense Ratio Comparison
MEMX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than IMOM's 0.38% expense ratio.
Dividends
MEMX vs. IMOM - Dividend Comparison
MEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than IMOM's 2.16% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF | 2.16% | 2.53% | 4.52% | 2.95% | 6.06% | 1.27% | 0.59% | 1.17% | 0.78% | 1.11% | 0.54% |
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF | 3.55% | 4.88% | 0.99% | 1.13% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MEMX and IMOM have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MEMX has higher volatility (11.89%) compared to IMOM (7.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMX dropped -19.27% vs IMOM's -45.74%.
On 3-year performance, MEMX leads with 28.01% vs 24.53% for IMOM. On fees, IMOM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 7.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, MEMX has performed better with a 28.01% return vs 24.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IMOM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEMX.
MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 2.16% for IMOM.
MEMX is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while IMOM is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MEMX and 0.38% for IMOM.
MEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.09 vs 2.00), 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.
Find the right allocation for MEMX and IMOM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer