MEMX vs VXUS
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $55M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.48% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.18% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.58% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MEMX vs VXUS Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets ex China Active ETF (MEMX) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEMX returned +54.18% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, MEMX is up 25.48% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, MEMX compounded at +24.58% per year against +19.63% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEMX has the edge at +21.56% annualized vs +4.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -19.3% for MEMX 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEMX charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEMX currently yields 4.19% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MEMX and VXUS share 43 holdings out of 8122 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEMX or VXUS?
MEMX has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEMX or VXUS?
Over the past year MEMX returned +54.18% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so MEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEMX annualized +21.56% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEMX or VXUS?
MEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MEMX -19.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MEMX and VXUS?
MEMX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEMX and VXUS?
MEMX and VXUS share 43 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEMX or VXUS?
MEMX yields 4.19% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so MEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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