MEMX vs VOO
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $52M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.32% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.77% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.05% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MEMX vs VOO Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF (MEMX) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMX returned +47.77% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MEMX is up 22.32% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MEMX compounded at +24.05% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEMX has the edge at +21.05% annualized vs +13.55%. 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 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 -19.3% for MEMX 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMX charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMX currently yields 3.77% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MEMX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 587 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 VOO?
MEMX has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMX or VOO?
Over the past year MEMX returned +47.77% vs +22.62% for VOO, so MEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEMX annualized +21.05% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMX or VOO?
MEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MEMX -19.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MEMX and VOO?
MEMX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMX and VOO?
MEMX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMX or VOO?
MEMX yields 3.77% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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