EWA vs VTI
iShares MSCI Australia ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.74% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.91% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.46% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.77% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWA vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWA returned +15.91% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, EWA is up 14.74% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, EWA compounded at +14.46% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.77% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +4.30%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWA charges 0.50% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWA or VTI?
EWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWA or VTI?
Over the past year EWA returned +15.91% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWA annualized +4.30% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWA or VTI?
EWA has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWA -69.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWA and VTI?
EWA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWA and VTI?
EWA and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWA or VTI?
EWA yields 3.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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