IVV vs MEM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $53M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.88% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 79 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +18.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +36.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +20.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -19.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Matthews Asia Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 13, 2022 |
IVV vs MEM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while MEM returned +36.67%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 18.62% for MEM.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +20.51% for MEM. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEM has the edge at +18.34% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -19.1% for MEM. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEM charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.88% for MEM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEM share 0 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MEM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEM charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MEM?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +36.67% for MEM, so MEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +18.34% for MEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEM?
MEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEM -19.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEM?
IVV and MEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEM?
IVV and MEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEM?
IVV yields 1.09% while MEM yields 2.88%, so MEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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