EWK vs VXUS
EWK vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $162M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.04% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWK vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) 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 EWK returned +22.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWK is up 12.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWK compounded at +16.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.04% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.52%. 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 15.1% 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 -76.5% for EWK 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWK 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, EWK currently yields 1.82% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWK and VXUS share 27 holdings out of 7873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWK | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABI:BR | 21.14% | 0.17% | 20.97% |
| UCB:BR | 8.82% | 0.08% | 8.74% |
| KBC:BR | 4.76% | 0.07% | 4.69% |
| AGS:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AED:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACKB:BE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GBLB:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ELI:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LOTB:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UMI:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EWK 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, EWK or VXUS?
EWK 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, EWK or VXUS?
Over the past year EWK returned +22.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWK annualized +2.52% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWK or VXUS?
EWK has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWK -76.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWK and VXUS?
EWK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWK and VXUS?
EWK and VXUS share 27 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWK or VXUS?
EWK yields 1.82% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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