IVV vs MEMS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MEMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $22M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.52% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 86 | |
| YTD Return | +13.51% | +21.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.65% | +20.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.94% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -21.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Matthews Asia Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 10, 2024 |
IVV vs MEMS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% while MEMS returned +20.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.51% versus a gain of 21.27% for MEMS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -21.2% for MEMS. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEMS charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $89 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.52% for MEMS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEMS share 0 holdings out of 585 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 MEMS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEMS charges 0.89%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MEMS?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% vs +20.44% for MEMS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +10.39% for MEMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEMS?
MEMS has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEMS -21.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEMS?
IVV and MEMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEMS?
IVV and MEMS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEMS?
IVV yields 1.10% while MEMS yields 2.52%, so MEMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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