EWG vs VOO
iShares MSCI Germany ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.43% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.99% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.50% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.43% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWG vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) 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 EWG returned +6.99% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EWG is up 5.43% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EWG compounded at +18.50% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.43% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +4.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -71.8% for EWG 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWG charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWG currently yields 2.01% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWG and VOO share 1 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWG | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.09% | 0.49% | 0.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWG or VOO?
EWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWG or VOO?
Over the past year EWG returned +6.99% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWG annualized +4.44% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWG or VOO?
EWG has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWG -71.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWG and VOO?
EWG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWG and VOO?
EWG and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWG or VOO?
EWG yields 2.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EWG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.