EWL vs VOO
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.35% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.38% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.81% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWL vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (EWL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWL returned +20.38% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, EWL is up 7.35% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, EWL compounded at +13.24% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.81% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +5.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -54.7% for EWL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWL charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWL currently yields 1.74% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWL and VOO share 1 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWL | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 12.72% | 0.05% | 12.67% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWL or VOO?
EWL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWL or VOO?
Over the past year EWL returned +20.38% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWL annualized +5.90% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWL or VOO?
EWL has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWL -54.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWL and VOO?
EWL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWL and VOO?
EWL and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWL or VOO?
EWL yields 1.74% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EWL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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