EWU vs VOO
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EWU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.82% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.75% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWU vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) 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 EWU returned +22.88% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.19% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +18.82% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.75% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +2.89%. 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 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 -66.9% for EWU 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU charges 0.50% per year while VOO 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 3.27% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 573 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, EWU or VOO?
EWU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWU or VOO?
Over the past year EWU returned +22.88% vs +22.62% for VOO, so EWU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWU annualized +2.89% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or VOO?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWU and VOO?
EWU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWU and VOO?
EWU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or VOO?
EWU yields 3.27% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EWU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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