EWS vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.69% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.54% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.74% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.15% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWS vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) 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 EWS returned +28.54% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, EWS is up 21.69% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWS compounded at +25.74% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.15% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -75.6% for EWS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWS 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, EWS currently yields 3.99% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7877 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| U11:SI | 4.54% | 0.08% | 4.46% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWS or VXUS?
EWS 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, EWS or VXUS?
Over the past year EWS returned +28.54% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so EWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWS annualized +1.74% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWS or VXUS?
EWS has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWS -75.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWS and VXUS?
EWS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWS and VXUS?
EWS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWS or VXUS?
EWS yields 3.99% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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