EWQ vs VOO
iShares MSCI France 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 | EWQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $340M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.49% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.18% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.38% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWQ vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI France ETF (EWQ) 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 EWQ returned +7.18% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, EWQ is up 3.49% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, EWQ compounded at +10.20% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.38% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -64.0% for EWQ 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWQ 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, EWQ currently yields 2.82% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWQ and VOO share 1 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWQ | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 3.02% | 0.04% | 2.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWQ or VOO?
EWQ 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, EWQ or VOO?
Over the past year EWQ returned +7.18% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWQ annualized +4.75% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWQ or VOO?
EWQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWQ -64.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWQ and VOO?
EWQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWQ and VOO?
EWQ and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWQ or VOO?
EWQ yields 2.82% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EWQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.