EWN vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $729M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.20% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.31% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.85% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.80% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWN vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) 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 EWN returned +40.85% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EWN is up 23.31% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWN compounded at +22.80% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.67% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWN has the edge at +5.36% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -68.2% for EWN 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWN 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, EWN currently yields 4.20% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWN and VXUS share 28 holdings out of 7897 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWN or VXUS?
EWN 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, EWN or VXUS?
Over the past year EWN returned +40.85% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so EWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWN annualized +5.36% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWN or VXUS?
EWN has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWN -68.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWN and VXUS?
EWN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EWN and VXUS?
EWN and VXUS share 28 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWN or VXUS?
EWN yields 4.20% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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