MEMS vs VOO
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.28% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.84% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MEMS vs VOO Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMS returned +21.84% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MEMS is up 20.28% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -21.2% for MEMS 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMS charges 0.89% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMS currently yields 2.32% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MEMS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 580 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 VOO?
MEMS has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMS or VOO?
Over the past year MEMS returned +21.84% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MEMS annualized +10.23% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMS or VOO?
MEMS has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MEMS -21.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MEMS and VOO?
MEMS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMS and VOO?
MEMS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMS or VOO?
MEMS yields 2.32% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MEMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.