MEM vs VOO
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $53M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.62% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.51% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MEM vs VOO Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEM returned +36.67% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MEM is up 18.62% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, MEM compounded at +20.51% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEM has the edge at +18.34% annualized vs +13.58%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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
MEM charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEM currently yields 2.88% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MEM and VOO 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, MEM or VOO?
MEM has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEM or VOO?
Over the past year MEM returned +36.67% vs +23.71% for VOO, so MEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEM annualized +18.34% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEM or VOO?
MEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MEM -19.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MEM and VOO?
MEM and VOO 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 MEM and VOO?
MEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEM or VOO?
MEM yields 2.88% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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