MEM vs SCHD
MEM vs SCHD
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. MEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $53M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.62% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.51% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MEM vs SCHD Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MEM returned +36.67% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MEM is up 18.62% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, MEM compounded at +20.51% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEM has the edge at +18.34% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEM charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEM currently yields 2.88% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 172 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 SCHD?
MEM has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEM or SCHD?
Over the past year MEM returned +36.67% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so MEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEM annualized +18.34% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEM or SCHD?
MEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MEM -19.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MEM and SCHD?
MEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEM and SCHD?
MEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEM or SCHD?
MEM yields 2.88% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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