EEM vs MEMS
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
MEMS
Matthews Emerging Markets Discovery Active ETF
TTM yield · Annual
Quick take
- MEMS yields more today: 2.29% vs 1.02% (forward).
- EEM pays twice a year; MEMS pays once a year.
- Over the last year EEM delivered the higher total return: +40.3% vs +20.6% (price change plus payouts).
- EEM is cheaper to own: 0.72% vs 0.89% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | MEMS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $68.83 | $31.32 |
| TTM yield | 1.62% | 2.29% |
| Forward yield | 1.02% | 2.29% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $0.716 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Dec 16, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.89% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | — |
| 1-year total return | +40.3% | +20.6% |
| 1-year price return | +38.0% | +17.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.2B | 22.3M |
| Years paying | 22.7 | 1.7 |
| Sector / category | Diversified Emerging Mkts | Diversified Emerging Mkts |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| EEM | MEMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 145.3 | 319.3 |
| Income per year | $102 | $229 |
| Income per month (avg) | $8 | $19 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EEM · Model MEMS
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEM Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EEM Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.351 | Est. |
| MEMS Dec 16, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 | $0.716 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMMEMS
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, EEM or MEMS?
MEMS currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.62% and MEMS yields 2.29%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and MEMS pay?
EEM pays twice a year and MEMS pays once a year. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and MEMS's is Dec 16, 2026.
Is EEM or MEMS better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and MEMS differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.