EWL vs VXUS
EWL vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Switzerland 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 | EWL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.79% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.28% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.68% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.27% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWL vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (EWL) 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 EWL returned +22.28% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EWL is up 8.79% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWL compounded at +13.68% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.27% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWL has the edge at +5.95% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 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 -54.7% for EWL 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWL charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWL currently yields 1.74% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWL and VXUS share 31 holdings out of 7871 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOVN:SM | 12.44% | 0.73% | 11.71% |
| NESN:SM | 11.65% | 0.62% | 11.03% |
| ABBN:SM | 6.27% | 0.33% | 5.94% |
| CFR:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UBSG:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ZURN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LONN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HOLN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GALD:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GIVN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EWL 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, EWL or VXUS?
EWL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWL or VXUS?
Over the past year EWL returned +22.28% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWL annualized +5.95% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWL or VXUS?
EWL has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWL -54.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWL and VXUS?
EWL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWL and VXUS?
EWL and VXUS share 31 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWL or VXUS?
EWL yields 1.74% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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