IVV vs MEMX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MEMX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $52M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 90 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +24.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +48.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +24.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -19.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Matthews Asia Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 10, 2023 |
IVV vs MEMX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF (MEMX) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while MEMX returned +48.54%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 24.65% for MEMX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +24.81% for MEMX. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEMX has the edge at +21.68% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -19.3% for MEMX. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEMX 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 3.77% for MEMX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEMX share 0 holdings out of 587 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 MEMX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEMX 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 MEMX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +48.54% for MEMX, so MEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +21.68% for MEMX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEMX?
MEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEMX -19.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEMX?
IVV and MEMX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEMX?
IVV and MEMX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEMX?
IVV yields 1.09% while MEMX yields 3.77%, so MEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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