MEMX: MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EX CHINA ACTIVE ETF
What this ETF is trying to do
The MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EX CHINA ACTIVE ETF (ticker: MEMX) is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on companies in emerging markets, but it specifically excludes companies from China. This ETF is "active," meaning it is managed with specific goals in mind rather than just following a set list of stocks.
What the numbers show
The current price of one share is $49.63. Looking at how the price has changed over time, we can see significant growth:
• Year-to-Date (YTD) Price Return: The share price has increased by approximately 32.63% so far this year.
• One-Year Price Return: The share price grew by approximately 39.55% over the last year.
• Three-Year Price Return: The share price has increased by approximately 98.48% over the last three years.
It is important to understand the difference between price return and total return. Price return only tracks how much the share price itself goes up or down. Total return includes both the price changes and any cash distributions (dividends) paid out to investors.
For this ETF, the total returns are even higher than the price returns:
• YTD Total Return: Approximately 32.63%.
• One-Year Total Return: Approximately 46.74%.
• Three-Year Total Return: Approximately 113.20%.
To visualize the price change, an investor's share price would have moved from an estimated $35.56 one year ago to the current price of $49.63.
Income and distribution explanation
This ETF provides some cash income through distributions. The distribution yield is approximately 3.68%. This number describes the cash paid out relative to the current ETF price. However, a yield is not the same as a total return.
The data shows that distributions for this ETF are "irregular" or less frequent, with one payout recorded in the last 12 months.
NAV erosion explanation
"NAV erosion" refers to a situation where the value of the underlying assets in the fund decreases over time. Some investors worry about this when they see high payouts, but it is important to look at the specific risk scores.
For MEMX, the erosion-risk score is 100, and the label states "No price erosion detected." The erosion severity is rated as "good," and there is no severe erosion-risk flag.
Pros
• Strong Growth: The ETF has shown high price returns and total returns over the one-year and three-year periods.
• No Erosion Detected: The data indicates no detected price erosion.
Cons
• Irregular Income: Distributions do not happen on a regular, predictable schedule.
• Partial Data: The list of holdings provided is only a partial list of the 78 total holdings in the fund.
Top Holdings
As of October 7, 2026, some of the largest companies in this portfolio include:
• TSM (14.30%)
• SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD (9.08%)
• JP MORGAN US GOVT CAPITAL 3164 (4.59%)
• SK HYNIX INC (3.93%)
• MEDIATEK INC (2.72%)
Beginner takeaway
When looking at an ETF like MEMX, it is helpful to distinguish between the price of the share and the total return. While the share price has grown significantly, the total return is even higher because it accounts for distributions. Always remember that a distribution yield tells you about cash income, but it does not guarantee the value of your original investment will stay the same.
Top Holdings
Structured portfolio holdings supplied by the ETF data provider. These figures are not generated by the AI article.
| # | Holding | Ticker | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | n/a | TSM | 14.30% |
| 2 | SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD | n/a | 9.08% |
| 3 | JP MORGAN US GOVT CAPITAL 3164 | n/a | 4.59% |
| 4 | SK HYNIX INC | n/a | 3.93% |
| 5 | MEDIATEK INC | n/a | 2.72% |
| 6 | HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD | n/a | 1.93% |
| 7 | FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC | FCX | 1.76% |
| 8 | SK SQUARE | n/a | 1.66% |
| 9 | SAMSUNG FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE CO LTD | n/a | 1.58% |
| 10 | COMPANIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA SAA ADR | BVN | 1.55% |