EWS vs VTI
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.89% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.20% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.23% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWS vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWS returned +27.27% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, EWS is up 23.89% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, EWS compounded at +29.20% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.23% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWS charges 0.50% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2804 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 VTI?
EWS has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWS or VTI?
Over the past year EWS returned +27.27% vs +22.35% for VTI, so EWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWS annualized +1.80% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWS or VTI?
EWS has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWS -75.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWS and VTI?
EWS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWS and VTI?
EWS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWS or VTI?
EWS yields 3.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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