EWJV vs SPY
iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EWJV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWJV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $783M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.74% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 115 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.05% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.68% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.12% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EWJV vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF (EWJV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EWJV returned +27.68% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EWJV is up 18.05% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, EWJV compounded at +25.12% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.26% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, EWJV has the edge at +11.84% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for EWJV. 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 -31.5% for EWJV and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWJV charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWJV currently yields 4.74% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EWJV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 614 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, EWJV or SPY?
EWJV has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWJV or SPY?
Over the past year EWJV returned +27.68% vs +21.53% for SPY, so EWJV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), EWJV annualized +11.84% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWJV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for EWJV. Worst drawdown: EWJV -31.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EWJV and SPY?
EWJV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWJV and SPY?
EWJV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWJV or SPY?
EWJV yields 4.74% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EWJV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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