EWT vs VTI
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +63.93% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.79% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.26% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.90% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
EWT vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWT returned +81.79% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, EWT is up 63.93% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, EWT compounded at +40.26% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +18.90% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.39%. 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 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 -64.0% for EWT 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWT charges 0.59% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2863 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 VTI?
EWT has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWT or VTI?
Over the past year EWT returned +81.79% vs +22.19% for VTI, so EWT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWT annualized +7.39% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWT or VTI?
EWT has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWT -64.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWT and VTI?
EWT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWT and VTI?
EWT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWT or VTI?
EWT yields 2.59% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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