MEMX vs SCHD
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. MEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $52M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.32% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.77% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.05% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MEMX vs SCHD Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF (MEMX) 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 MEMX returned +47.77% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, MEMX is up 22.32% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, MEMX compounded at +24.05% per year against +15.58% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEMX has the edge at +21.05% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -19.3% for MEMX 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMX charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMX currently yields 3.77% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MEMX and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 182 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, MEMX or SCHD?
MEMX has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMX or SCHD?
Over the past year MEMX returned +47.77% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so MEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEMX annualized +21.05% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMX or SCHD?
MEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MEMX -19.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MEMX and SCHD?
MEMX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMX and SCHD?
MEMX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMX or SCHD?
MEMX yields 3.77% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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