EWH vs VXUS
EWH vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Hong Kong 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 | EWH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.95% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.70% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWH vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF (EWH) 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 EWH returned +13.10% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWH is up 5.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWH compounded at +10.57% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.70% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -69.3% for EWH 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWH 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, EWH currently yields 4.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWH and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 7878 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWH | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1299:HK | 21.35% | 0.26% | 21.09% |
| 823:HK | 3.63% | 0.03% | 3.60% |
| 1113:KY | 3.06% | 0.03% | 3.03% |
| J36:BM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 27:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1308:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| H78:BM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1038:BM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1997:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings EWH shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWH or VXUS?
EWH 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, EWH or VXUS?
Over the past year EWH returned +13.10% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWH annualized +2.33% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWH or VXUS?
EWH has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWH -69.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWH and VXUS?
EWH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWH and VXUS?
EWH and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWH or VXUS?
EWH yields 4.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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