MEMX vs. SPEM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. MEMX is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MEMX returned 20.99%/yr vs 15.56%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MEMX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

MEMX vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEMX achieves a 20.25% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 9.89% return.

MEMX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: -5.81%
• 6M: 10.01%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 1Y: 45.59%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 20.15%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -0.37%
• 6M: 4.56%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 1Y: 22.14%
• 3Y*: 15.56%
• 5Y*: 6.70%
• 10Y*: 8.53%
• ALL TIME*: 5.54%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	$126.06K	$154.77K	$150.51K
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	$90.49M	$105.53M	$120.92M

MEMX vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	20.25%	35.88%	5.50%	11.33%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	9.89%	25.63%	11.40%	4.01%

Correlation

The correlation between MEMX and SPEM is 0.86, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2023	0.82

The correlation between MEMX and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

MEMX vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MEMX	SPEM
Technology	52.1%	32.7%
Financial Services	21.4%	19.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	8.9%
Industrials	7.1%	8.3%
Basic Materials	2.9%	7.7%
Healthcare	2.6%	3.9%
Energy	2.0%	3.8%
Communication Services	1.7%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	3.7%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.8%
Utilities	0.9%	2.7%

Return for Risk

MEMX vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MEMX

MEMX Risk / Return Rank: 74
MEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
MEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
MEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
MEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
MEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MEMX vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.23	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	1.74	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.23	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	1.91	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.02	6.31	+2.72

MEMX vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEMX and SPEM, 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. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEMX drawdown since its inception was -19.27%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEMX and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEMX	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.27%	-64.41%	+45.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.84%	-11.36%	-5.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-17.62%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.57%	-4.14%	-8.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.66%	-14.66%	+11.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.99%	3.43%	+1.56%

Volatility

MEMX vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a higher volatility of 9.83% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 5.72%. This indicates that MEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEMX	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.83%	5.72%	+4.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.48%	15.43%	+9.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.49%	17.70%	+8.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.76%	17.36%	+1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.76%	18.80%	-0.04%

MEMX vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEMX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEMX vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

MEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.06%, more than SPEM's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	4.06%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.55%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEMX and SPEM in my portfolio?

MEMX and SPEM have a correlation of 0.86, 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 SPEM?

MEMX has higher volatility (9.83%) compared to SPEM (5.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEMX dropped -19.27% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, MEMX or SPEM?

On 3-year performance, MEMX leads with 20.99% vs 15.56% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 5.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MEMX or SPEM?

Over the 3-year period, MEMX has performed better with a 20.99% return vs 15.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MEMX or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEMX.

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

MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 4.06%, compared with 2.55% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between MEMX and SPEM?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MEMX and 0.07% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.23), 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.