EWA vs IVV
iShares MSCI Australia ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +15.12% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.30% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.37% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 15, 2000 |
EWA vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EWA returned +16.30% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, EWA is up 15.12% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, EWA compounded at +14.37% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +4.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -69.7% for EWA and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWA charges 0.50% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWA currently yields 3.01% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EWA and IVV share 1 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWA | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.07% | 0.15% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWA or IVV?
EWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWA or IVV?
Over the past year EWA returned +16.30% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), EWA annualized +4.32% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWA or IVV?
EWA has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EWA -69.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EWA and IVV?
EWA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWA and IVV?
EWA and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWA or IVV?
EWA yields 3.01% while IVV yields 1.09%, so EWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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