EWM vs VOO
iShares MSCI Malaysia 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $333M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.56% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.02% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.29% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.82% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.88% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWM vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) 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 EWM returned +17.29% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, EWM is up 6.02% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, EWM compounded at +14.82% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.88% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% 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 -89.5% for EWM 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWM 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, EWM currently yields 3.56% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 527 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, EWM or VOO?
EWM 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, EWM or VOO?
Over the past year EWM returned +17.29% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWM annualized -1.46% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWM or VOO?
EWM has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWM -89.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWM and VOO?
EWM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWM and VOO?
EWM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWM or VOO?
EWM yields 3.56% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EWM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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