EWU vs IVV
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.74% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.29% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.01% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.53% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 15, 2000 |
EWU vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EWU returned +20.29% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.74% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +20.01% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.53% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -66.9% for EWU and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU charges 0.50% per year while IVV 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, EWU currently yields 3.07% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and IVV share 1 holdings out of 573 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 EWU | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.05% | 0.15% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWU or IVV?
EWU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWU or IVV?
Over the past year EWU returned +20.29% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), EWU annualized +2.91% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or IVV?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EWU and IVV?
EWU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWU and IVV?
EWU and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or IVV?
EWU yields 3.07% while IVV yields 1.10%, so EWU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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