MEMS vs VTI
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.30% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.82% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MEMS vs VTI Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMS returned +19.82% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, MEMS is up 19.30% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMS charges 0.89% per year while VTI 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 2.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MEMS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2867 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 VTI?
MEMS has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMS or VTI?
Over the past year MEMS returned +19.82% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MEMS annualized +9.78% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMS or VTI?
MEMS has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MEMS -21.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MEMS and VTI?
MEMS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMS and VTI?
MEMS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2867 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMS or VTI?
MEMS yields 2.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MEMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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