VEXC vs. MEMX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and MEMX (Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while MEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews. VEXC is passively managed, while MEMX is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for MEMX.

Performance

VEXC vs. MEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) 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, VEXC achieves a 17.93% return, which is significantly lower than MEMX's 21.51% return.

VEXC

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -2.43%
• 6M: 13.21%
• YTD: 17.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEMX

• 1D: -2.21%
• 1M: -8.29%
• 6M: 14.70%
• YTD: 21.51%
• 1Y: 45.69%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEXC vs. MEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	17.93%	4.50%
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	21.51%	11.93%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and MEMX 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. MEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

MEMX

MEMX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
MEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
MEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
MEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

VEXC vs. MEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VEXC	MEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.80	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.34	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.12	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.78	—

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. MEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum MEMX drawdown of -19.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and MEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	MEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-19.27%	+6.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.70%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.52%	-11.66%	+6.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-3.55%	+1.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.25%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	MEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.49%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.58%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.12%	25.52%	-5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	18.46%	+1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	18.46%	+1.66%

VEXC vs. MEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than MEMX's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXC vs. MEMX - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than MEMX's 4.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MEMX Matthews Emerging Markets Ex China Active ETF	4.02%	4.88%	0.99%	1.13%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.46%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and MEMX in my portfolio?

VEXC and MEMX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VEXC or MEMX?

On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEXC or MEMX?

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

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

MEMX has the higher dividend yield at 4.02%, compared with 1.46% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and MEMX?

VEXC is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while MEMX is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.79% for MEMX.