EWG vs VTI
iShares MSCI Germany ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.36% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.81% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.44% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.13% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWG vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWG returned +5.81% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EWG is up 5.36% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, EWG compounded at +18.44% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.13% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWG charges 0.49% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWG or VTI?
EWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWG or VTI?
Over the past year EWG returned +5.81% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWG annualized +4.44% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWG or VTI?
EWG has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWG -71.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWG and VTI?
EWG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWG and VTI?
EWG and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2834 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWG or VTI?
EWG yields 2.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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