EWI vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: EWIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEWIVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$1.0B$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.16%1.07%
Holdings333,543
YTD Return+17.11%+14.20%
1Y Return+31.02%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+30.19%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+18.17%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)23.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-75.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 12, 1996May 24, 2001

EWI vs VTI Performance

iShares MSCI Italy ETF (EWI) 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 EWI returned +31.02% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, EWI is up 17.11% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, EWI compounded at +30.19% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +18.17% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +3.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EWI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% compared with 15.3% 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 -75.1% for EWI 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EWI charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWI currently yields 3.16% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EWI and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2808 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EWIWeight in VTIDifference
FBK2.64%0.00%2.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EWI or VTI?

EWI has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EWI or VTI?

Over the past year EWI returned +31.02% vs +24.16% for VTI, so EWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWI annualized +3.48% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EWI or VTI?

EWI has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWI -75.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both EWI and VTI?

EWI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EWI and VTI?

EWI and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2808 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EWI or VTI?

EWI yields 3.16% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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