NSI vs. EMSF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

NSI (National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF) and EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. NSI is passively managed, while EMSF is actively managed. Over the past year, NSI returned 29.12% vs 42.52% for EMSF. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. NSI charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for EMSF.

Performance

NSI vs. EMSF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSI achieves a 12.00% return, which is significantly lower than EMSF's 30.73% return.

NSI

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 4.40%
• YTD: 12.00%
• 1Y: 29.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 18.82%

EMSF

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -8.36%
• 6M: 17.49%
• YTD: 30.73%
• 1Y: 42.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.92%

*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)
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	$80.02K	$93.23K	$184.42K
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	$107.28K	$63.13K	$59.69K

NSI vs. EMSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	12.00%	35.94%	-1.21%	4.94%
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	30.73%	19.20%	-3.09%	3.79%

Correlation

The correlation between NSI and EMSF is 0.92, 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.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.87

The correlation between NSI and EMSF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

NSI vs. EMSF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NSI	EMSF
Technology	32.1%	52.8%
Financial Services	19.6%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	6.3%
Communication Services	7.6%	1.7%
Basic Materials	6.4%	-
Industrials	4.1%	11.0%
Healthcare	2.6%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	3.6%
Energy	1.2%	-
Utilities	1.0%	2.1%
Real Estate	0.6%	1.6%

Return for Risk

NSI vs. EMSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSI

NSI Risk / Return Rank: 55
NSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
NSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
NSI Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
NSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 57
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 58
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

NSI vs. EMSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF). 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.

	NSI	EMSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.36	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	1.86	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.25	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.10	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.52	7.05	-0.53

NSI vs. EMSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the EMSF Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSI and EMSF, 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

NSI vs. EMSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSI drawdown since its inception was -18.77%, smaller than the maximum EMSF drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSI and EMSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSI	EMSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.77%	-24.75%	+5.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	-19.49%	+5.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.15%	-15.62%	+9.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.75%	-5.91%	+2.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	5.80%	-1.51%

Volatility

NSI vs. EMSF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is 7.62%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) has a volatility of 10.79%. This indicates that NSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSI	EMSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.62%	10.79%	-3.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.74%	26.54%	-7.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.37%	30.10%	-8.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.06%	24.40%	-5.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	24.40%	-5.34%

NSI vs. EMSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSI has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than EMSF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSI vs. EMSF - Dividend Comparison

NSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than EMSF's 1.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.44%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	1.23%	1.69%	3.39%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSI and EMSF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, NSI and EMSF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NSI or EMSF?

EMSF has higher volatility (10.79%) compared to NSI (7.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSI dropped -18.77% vs EMSF's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, NSI or EMSF?

On 1-year performance, EMSF leads with 42.52% vs 29.12% for NSI. On fees, EMSF is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, NSI has been the lower-risk option at 7.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSI or EMSF?

Over the 1-year period, EMSF has performed better with a 42.52% return vs 29.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSI or EMSF?

EMSF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for NSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSI or EMSF?

EMSF has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 1.23% for NSI.

What is the main difference between NSI and EMSF?

They also come from different issuers: Tuttle and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for NSI and 0.79% for EMSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.31), 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.