MEMS vs SCHD
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $21M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.69% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.24% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MEMS vs SCHD Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) 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 MEMS returned +21.24% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MEMS is up 19.69% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -21.2% for MEMS 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMS charges 0.89% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $6 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMS currently yields 2.32% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MEMS and SCHD 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, MEMS or SCHD?
MEMS has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMS or SCHD?
Over the past year MEMS returned +21.24% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MEMS annualized +10.03% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMS or SCHD?
MEMS has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MEMS -21.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MEMS and SCHD?
MEMS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMS and SCHD?
MEMS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMS or SCHD?
MEMS yields 2.32% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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