EWI vs VXUS
EWI vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Italy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.11% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.02% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.19% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWI vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Italy ETF (EWI) 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 EWI returned +31.02% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWI is up 17.11% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWI compounded at +30.19% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.17% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% 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 15.1% 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 -75.1% for EWI 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWI 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, EWI currently yields 3.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWI and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 7868 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCG:MI | 16.31% | 0.29% | 16.02% |
| ISP:MI | 12.59% | 0.24% | 12.35% |
| RACE:MI | 4.85% | 0.10% | 4.75% |
| G:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENI:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BPE:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LDO:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMPS:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAMI:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRN:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EWI 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, EWI or VXUS?
EWI 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, EWI or VXUS?
Over the past year EWI returned +31.02% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWI annualized +3.48% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWI or VXUS?
EWI has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWI -75.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWI and VXUS?
EWI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWI and VXUS?
EWI and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWI or VXUS?
EWI yields 3.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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