EWC vs VOO
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.28% | +13.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.11% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.95% | +22.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.14% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWC vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) 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 EWC returned +33.11% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, EWC is up 15.28% versus a gain of 13.73% for VOO.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.95% per year against +22.60% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.14% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +6.42%. 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 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 -62.7% for EWC 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC 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, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and VOO share 0 holdings out of 589 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 VOO?
EWC 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, EWC or VOO?
Over the past year EWC returned +33.11% vs +21.53% for VOO, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWC annualized +6.42% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or VOO?
EWC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWC and VOO?
EWC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and VOO?
EWC and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or VOO?
EWC yields 1.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EWC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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