EWK vs VTI
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $162M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.73% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.05% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWK vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) 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 EWK returned +20.05% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EWK is up 10.73% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, EWK compounded at +15.70% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -76.5% for EWK 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWK 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, EWK currently yields 1.82% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWK and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2822 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, EWK or VTI?
EWK 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, EWK or VTI?
Over the past year EWK returned +20.05% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWK annualized +2.47% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWK or VTI?
EWK has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWK -76.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWK and VTI?
EWK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWK and VTI?
EWK and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWK or VTI?
EWK yields 1.82% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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