PEPFX vs. MSMLX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PEPFX (PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund) and MSMLX (Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, PEPFX returned 11.51%/yr vs 12.36%/yr for MSMLX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PEPFX charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.37%/yr for MSMLX.

Performance

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund (PEPFX) and Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund (MSMLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEPFX achieves a 12.34% return, which is significantly lower than MSMLX's 28.37% return. Over the past 10 years, PEPFX has underperformed MSMLX with an annualized return of 11.51%, while MSMLX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.36% annualized return.

PEPFX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -1.86%
• YTD: 12.34%
• 6M: 7.93%
• 1Y: 23.30%
• 3Y*: 15.98%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: 11.51%

MSMLX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 4.25%
• YTD: 28.37%
• 6M: 28.47%
• 1Y: 36.04%
• 3Y*: 13.57%
• 5Y*: 8.43%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

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

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PEPFX PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund	12.34%	20.60%	2.45%	22.46%	-10.50%	15.79%	9.76%	13.56%	-12.62%	29.07%
MSMLX Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund	28.37%	13.50%	-6.10%	20.04%	-16.78%	26.40%	43.69%	17.38%	-17.80%	30.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PEPFX and MSMLX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2015	0.70

The correlation between PEPFX and MSMLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PEPFX vs. MSMLX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PEPFX

PEPFX Risk / Return Rank: 36
PEPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
PEPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
PEPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
PEPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
PEPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

MSMLX

MSMLX Risk / Return Rank: 50
MSMLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MSMLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
MSMLX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MSMLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
MSMLX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund (PEPFX) and Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund (MSMLX). 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.

	PEPFX	MSMLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.91	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.64	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.88	-0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.39	9.34	-1.95

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEPFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the MSMLX Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEPFX and MSMLX, 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

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEPFX drawdown since its inception was -46.88%, which is greater than MSMLX's maximum drawdown of -36.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEPFX and MSMLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEPFX	MSMLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.88%	-36.40%	-10.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.99%	-12.89%	+2.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.09%	-22.62%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.18%	-28.00%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.88%	-34.33%	-12.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.04%	0.00%	-5.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.07%	-9.22%	-1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.94%	-0.77%

Volatility

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund (PEPFX) is 5.53%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund (MSMLX) has a volatility of 7.48%. This indicates that PEPFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSMLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEPFX	MSMLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.53%	7.48%	-1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.83%	16.95%	-4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	19.53%	-4.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.97%	17.91%	-2.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	17.30%	-0.02%

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEPFX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than MSMLX's 1.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEPFX vs. MSMLX - Dividend Comparison

PEPFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, more than MSMLX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSMLX Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund	1.17%	1.50%	3.95%	8.36%	8.04%	9.18%	0.28%	0.51%	21.31%	8.12%	0.43%	0.13%
PEPFX PIMCO RAE Emerging Markets Fund	2.59%	2.91%	1.99%	4.05%	11.30%	9.12%	9.73%	2.21%	11.05%	8.06%	2.74%	2.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEPFX and MSMLX in my portfolio?

PEPFX and MSMLX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEPFX or MSMLX?

MSMLX has higher volatility (7.48%) compared to PEPFX (5.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEPFX dropped -46.88% vs MSMLX's -36.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSMLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.59), 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.