MEM vs QQQ
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. MEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $53M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.83% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.65% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.52% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MEM vs QQQ Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MEM returned +35.65% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, MEM is up 19.83% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, MEM compounded at +21.52% per year against +26.25% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEM has the edge at +18.55% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.0% for MEM. 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 -19.1% for MEM and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEM charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEM currently yields 2.88% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MEM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 175 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, MEM or QQQ?
MEM has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEM or QQQ?
Over the past year MEM returned +35.65% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so MEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEM annualized +18.55% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.0% for MEM. Worst drawdown: MEM -19.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MEM and QQQ?
MEM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEM and QQQ?
MEM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEM or QQQ?
MEM yields 2.88% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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