MEMS vs VXUS
MEMS vs VXUS
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $21M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.08% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.17% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MEMS vs VXUS Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF (MEMS) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMS returned +21.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MEMS is up 20.08% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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
MEMS charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMS currently yields 2.32% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MEMS and VXUS share 46 holdings out of 7890 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MEMS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2383:TW | 5.10% | 0.05% | 5.05% |
| 084370:KR | 4.10% | 0.00% | 4.10% |
| 2368:TW | 4.00% | 0.02% | 3.98% |
| BANDHANBNK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 145020:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 267270:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASTOR:TR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RADC:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CARTRADE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 5274:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MEMS shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEMS or VXUS?
MEMS has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMS or VXUS?
Over the past year MEMS returned +21.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MEMS annualized +10.20% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMS or VXUS?
MEMS has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MEMS -21.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MEMS and VXUS?
MEMS and VXUS 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 MEMS and VXUS?
MEMS and VXUS share 46 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMS or VXUS?
MEMS yields 2.32% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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