EWC vs SPY
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.38% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EWC vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EWC returned +33.28% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EWC is up 15.38% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.66% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 30-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -62.7% for EWC and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 588 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, EWC or SPY?
EWC has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWC or SPY?
Over the past year EWC returned +33.28% vs +21.71% for SPY, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (30 years), EWC annualized +6.43% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or SPY?
EWC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EWC and SPY?
EWC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and SPY?
EWC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or SPY?
EWC yields 1.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EWC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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