EWC vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.38% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWC vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) 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 EWC returned +33.28% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EWC is up 15.38% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.66% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWC has the edge at +6.43% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -62.7% for EWC 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC 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, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and VXUS share 75 holdings out of 7878 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWC or VXUS?
EWC 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, EWC or VXUS?
Over the past year EWC returned +33.28% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWC annualized +6.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or VXUS?
EWC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWC and VXUS?
EWC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and VXUS?
EWC and VXUS share 75 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or VXUS?
EWC yields 1.26% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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