MEMX vs VTI
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $52M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.65% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.54% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.81% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
MEMX vs VTI Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF (MEMX) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMX returned +48.54% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MEMX is up 24.65% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, MEMX compounded at +24.81% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEMX has the edge at +21.68% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -19.3% for MEMX 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMX charges 0.79% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MEMX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2865 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 VTI?
MEMX has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMX or VTI?
Over the past year MEMX returned +48.54% vs +22.19% for VTI, so MEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEMX annualized +21.68% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMX or VTI?
MEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MEMX -19.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MEMX and VTI?
MEMX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMX and VTI?
MEMX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMX or VTI?
MEMX yields 3.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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