EMSF vs VOO
Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMSF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMSF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +32.66% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.37% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.96% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMSF vs VOO Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMSF returned +46.37% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EMSF is up 32.66% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EMSF compounded at +17.96% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, EMSF has the edge at +17.96% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMSF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -24.8% for EMSF and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMSF charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMSF currently yields 1.30% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMSF or VOO?
EMSF has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMSF or VOO?
Over the past year EMSF returned +46.37% vs +22.62% for VOO, so EMSF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), EMSF annualized +17.96% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMSF or VOO?
EMSF has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMSF -24.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMSF and VOO?
EMSF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMSF and VOO?
EMSF and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMSF or VOO?
EMSF yields 1.30% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EMSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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