EWU vs VTI
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.10% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.23% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.38% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | May 24, 2001 |
EWU vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWU returned +20.23% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.10% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +19.38% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% 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 15.4% 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 -66.9% for EWU 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU charges 0.50% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2855 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNB | 1.01% | 0.04% | 0.97% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWU or VTI?
EWU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWU or VTI?
Over the past year EWU returned +20.23% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWU annualized +2.89% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or VTI?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWU and VTI?
EWU and VTI 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 VTI?
EWU and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2855 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or VTI?
EWU yields 3.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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