STXE vs. EMSF

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. STXE is passively managed, while EMSF is actively managed. Over the past year, STXE returned 58.13% vs 45.07% for EMSF. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STXE charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for EMSF.

Performance

STXE vs. EMSF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) 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, STXE achieves a 34.42% return, which is significantly lower than EMSF's 36.62% return.

STXE

• 1D: -4.66%
• 1M: -5.87%
• 6M: 26.56%
• YTD: 34.42%
• 1Y: 58.13%
• 3Y*: 24.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMSF

• 1D: -4.70%
• 1M: -5.78%
• 6M: 26.94%
• YTD: 36.62%
• 1Y: 45.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STXE vs. EMSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	34.42%	34.23%	2.09%	10.31%
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	36.62%	19.20%	-3.09%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between STXE and EMSF is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2023	0.80

The correlation between STXE and EMSF shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (all time) to 0.90 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

STXE vs. EMSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 82
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 86

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 62
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 58
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

STXE vs. EMSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) 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.

	STXE	EMSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.55	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.05	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	3.11	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.03	9.46	+4.57

STXE vs. EMSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXE Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is higher than the EMSF Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXE 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

STXE vs. EMSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXE drawdown since its inception was -18.92%, smaller than the maximum EMSF drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXE and EMSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXE	EMSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.92%	-24.75%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.51%	-14.57%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.68%	-11.82%	-0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-5.74%	+1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.16%	4.78%	-0.62%

Volatility

STXE vs. EMSF - Volatility Comparison

Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) have volatilities of 14.44% and 13.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXE	EMSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.44%	13.86%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.40%	25.56%	+0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.09%	29.18%	-1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.56%	24.15%	-4.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.56%	24.15%	-4.59%

STXE vs. EMSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXE has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than EMSF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXE vs. EMSF - Dividend Comparison

STXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, more than EMSF's 1.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.38%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.87%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXE and EMSF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, STXE 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, STXE or EMSF?

STXE has higher volatility (14.44%) compared to EMSF (13.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXE dropped -18.92% vs EMSF's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, STXE or EMSF?

On 1-year performance, STXE leads with 58.13% vs 45.07% for EMSF. On fees, STXE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EMSF has been the lower-risk option at 13.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXE or EMSF?

Over the 1-year period, STXE has performed better with a 58.13% return vs 45.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXE or EMSF?

STXE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for EMSF.

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

STXE has the higher dividend yield at 1.87%, compared with 1.38% for EMSF.

What is the main difference between STXE and EMSF?

They also come from different issuers: Strive and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for STXE and 0.79% for EMSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.55), 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.