EWJ vs VXUS
EWJ vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $21.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 174 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.79% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.91% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.64% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.01% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWJ vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) 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 EWJ returned +31.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWJ is up 19.79% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWJ compounded at +19.64% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.01% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.2% for EWJ 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWJ charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWJ currently yields 3.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWJ and VXUS share 154 holdings out of 7876 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWJ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8306:JP | 4.26% | 0.46% | 3.80% |
| 8035:JP | 3.84% | 0.28% | 3.56% |
| 8316:JP | 2.93% | 0.31% | 2.62% |
| 285A:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6857:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6501:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6758:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 8411:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 9983:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6981:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EWJ shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWJ or VXUS?
EWJ has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWJ or VXUS?
Over the past year EWJ returned +31.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWJ annualized +1.86% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWJ or VXUS?
EWJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWJ -62.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWJ and VXUS?
EWJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWJ and VXUS?
EWJ and VXUS share 154 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWJ or VXUS?
EWJ yields 3.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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