EWA vs VOO
iShares MSCI Australia ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.50% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.91% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.55% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWA vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWA returned +17.91% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, EWA is up 16.50% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, EWA compounded at +14.55% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.33% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.36%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 553 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, EWA or VOO?
EWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWA or VOO?
Over the past year EWA returned +17.91% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWA annualized +4.36% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWA or VOO?
EWA has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWA -69.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWA and VOO?
EWA and VOO 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 VOO?
EWA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWA or VOO?
EWA yields 3.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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