MEMX vs. SLV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - MEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. MEMX is actively managed, while SLV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MEMX returned 25.58%/yr vs 39.38%/yr for SLV. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MEMX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

MEMX vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). 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 SLV's -13.49% return.

MEMX

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

SLV

• 1D: -5.40%
• 1M: -18.48%
• YTD: -13.49%
• 6M: -14.05%
• 1Y: 69.08%
• 3Y*: 39.38%
• 5Y*: 18.31%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

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

MEMX vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	29.86%	35.88%	5.50%	11.33%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-13.49%	144.66%	20.89%	0.23%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMX and SLV is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2023	0.37

Return for Risk

MEMX vs. SLV — 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

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 31
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 40
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). 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	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	1.15	+1.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	1.55	+1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.25	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	1.47	+2.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.40	3.16	+13.24

MEMX vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is higher than the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMX and SLV, 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. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMX drawdown since its inception was -19.27%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMX and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMX	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.27%	-76.28%	+57.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-47.23%	+32.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-47.23%	+27.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-47.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	-47.23%	+41.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-44.65%	+41.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.84%	21.91%	-18.07%

Volatility

MEMX vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) is 13.33%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 14.34%. This indicates that MEMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMX	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.33%	14.34%	-1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.43%	59.27%	-36.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.53%	60.33%	-35.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.15%	36.59%	-18.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.15%	32.09%	-13.94%

MEMX vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMX vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

MEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	3.76%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMX and SLV in my portfolio?

MEMX and SLV have a correlation of 0.43, 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 SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (14.34%) compared to MEMX (13.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMX dropped -19.27% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, MEMX or SLV?

On 3-year performance, SLV leads with 39.38% vs 25.58% for MEMX. On fees, SLV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, MEMX has been the lower-risk option at 13.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMX or SLV?

Over the 3-year period, SLV has performed better with a 39.38% return vs 25.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMX or SLV?

SLV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEMX.

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

MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 3.76%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between MEMX and SLV?

MEMX is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while SLV is Silver. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MEMX and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 1.15), 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.