SEEM vs. MEMX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

SEEM (SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SEEM returned 47.23% vs 55.17% for MEMX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEEM charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for MEMX.

Performance

SEEM vs. MEMX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEEM achieves a 26.85% return, which is significantly lower than MEMX's 28.38% return.

SEEM

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -0.87%
• 6M: 21.39%
• YTD: 26.85%
• 1Y: 47.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEMX

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: -1.10%
• 6M: 22.40%
• YTD: 28.38%
• 1Y: 55.17%
• 3Y*: 24.60%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEEM vs. MEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	26.85%	38.16%	-6.66%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	28.38%	35.88%	-4.25%

Correlation

The correlation between SEEM and MEMX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2024	0.86

The correlation between SEEM and MEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEEM vs. MEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 79
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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: 84

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.

SEEM vs. MEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) and Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX). 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.

	SEEM	MEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.18	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	2.74	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.40	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	3.72	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.05	13.46	-1.41

SEEM vs. MEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the MEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEEM and MEMX, 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

SEEM vs. MEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEEM drawdown since its inception was -14.34%, smaller than the maximum MEMX drawdown of -19.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEEM and MEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEEM	MEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-19.27%	+4.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-14.70%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.36%	-6.66%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-3.52%	+0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	4.06%	-0.20%

Volatility

SEEM vs. MEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is 10.01%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF (MEMX) has a volatility of 11.57%. This indicates that SEEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEEM	MEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.01%	11.57%	-1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.43%	23.15%	-2.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.57%	25.10%	-2.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	18.34%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.19%	18.34%	+2.85%

SEEM vs. MEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEEM has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than MEMX's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEEM vs. MEMX - Dividend Comparison

SEEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, less than MEMX's 3.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	3.80%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.62%	3.31%	0.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEEM and MEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SEEM and MEMX 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, SEEM or MEMX?

MEMX has higher volatility (11.57%) compared to SEEM (10.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEEM dropped -14.34% vs MEMX's -19.27%.

Which ETF is better, SEEM or MEMX?

On 1-year performance, MEMX leads with 55.17% vs 47.23% for SEEM. On fees, SEEM is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SEEM has been the lower-risk option at 10.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEEM or MEMX?

Over the 1-year period, MEMX has performed better with a 55.17% return vs 47.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEEM or MEMX?

SEEM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEMX.

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

MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 3.80%, compared with 2.62% for SEEM.

What is the main difference between SEEM and MEMX?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SEEM and 0.79% for MEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 2.06), 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.