EWP vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Spain ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.92% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.53% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.94% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.02% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWP vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) 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 EWP returned +36.53% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, EWP is up 15.92% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWP compounded at +33.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.02% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWP has the edge at +5.71% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -73.7% for EWP 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWP 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, EWP currently yields 2.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWP and VXUS share 15 holdings out of 7870 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWP or VXUS?
EWP 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, EWP or VXUS?
Over the past year EWP returned +36.53% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so EWP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWP annualized +5.71% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWP or VXUS?
EWP has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWP -73.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWP and VXUS?
EWP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWP and VXUS?
EWP and VXUS share 15 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWP or VXUS?
EWP yields 2.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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