EWT vs VOO
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EWT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +60.48% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +80.35% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.31% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.32% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2000 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWT vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) 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 EWT returned +80.35% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EWT is up 60.48% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EWT compounded at +39.31% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +18.32% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +7.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWT 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 -64.0% for EWT 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWT charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWT currently yields 2.59% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 585 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, EWT or VOO?
EWT has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWT or VOO?
Over the past year EWT returned +80.35% vs +22.62% for VOO, so EWT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWT annualized +7.31% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWT or VOO?
EWT has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWT -64.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWT and VOO?
EWT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWT and VOO?
EWT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWT or VOO?
EWT yields 2.59% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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