EWD vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Sweden 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 | EWD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $535M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.29% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.45% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.10% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.46% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWD vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (EWD) 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 EWD returned +22.45% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, EWD is up 10.29% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWD compounded at +20.10% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.46% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWD has the edge at +5.33% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -79.9% for EWD 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWD charges 0.51% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $5 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWD currently yields 3.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWD and VXUS share 10 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWD or VXUS?
EWD has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWD or VXUS?
Over the past year EWD returned +22.45% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWD annualized +5.33% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWD or VXUS?
EWD has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWD -79.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWD and VXUS?
EWD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWD and VXUS?
EWD and VXUS share 10 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWD or VXUS?
EWD yields 3.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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