EWJ vs VTI
iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 174 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.73% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.89% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.07% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWJ vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) 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 EWJ returned +29.57% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EWJ is up 21.73% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, EWJ compounded at +20.89% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.07% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -62.2% for EWJ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWJ 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, EWJ currently yields 3.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWJ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2952 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWJ or VTI?
EWJ 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, EWJ or VTI?
Over the past year EWJ returned +29.57% vs +22.39% for VTI, so EWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWJ annualized +1.92% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWJ or VTI?
EWJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWJ -62.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWJ and VTI?
EWJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWJ and VTI?
EWJ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2952 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWJ or VTI?
EWJ yields 3.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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