EWS vs VOO
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +23.89% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.20% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.23% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWS vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) 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 EWS returned +27.27% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, EWS is up 23.89% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, EWS compounded at +29.20% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.23% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +1.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.5% 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 -75.6% for EWS 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWS 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, EWS currently yields 3.64% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 522 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, EWS or VOO?
EWS 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, EWS or VOO?
Over the past year EWS returned +27.27% vs +21.87% for VOO, so EWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWS annualized +1.80% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWS or VOO?
EWS has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWS -75.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWS and VOO?
EWS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWS and VOO?
EWS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWS or VOO?
EWS yields 3.64% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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