EWA vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Australia ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.50% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.91% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.55% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWA vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWA returned +17.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWA is up 16.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWA compounded at +14.55% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.33% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWA charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWA currently yields 3.01% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWA and VXUS share 39 holdings out of 7870 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWA or VXUS?
EWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWA or VXUS?
Over the past year EWA returned +17.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWA annualized +4.36% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWA or VXUS?
EWA has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWA -69.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWA and VXUS?
EWA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWA and VXUS?
EWA and VXUS share 39 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWA or VXUS?
EWA yields 3.01% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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