EWU vs VXUS
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.36% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.79% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWU vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWU returned +23.36% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.63% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +18.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.04% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% 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 VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWU currently yields 3.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and VXUS share 58 holdings out of 7871 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWU or VXUS?
EWU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWU or VXUS?
Over the past year EWU returned +23.36% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWU annualized +2.91% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or VXUS?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWU and VXUS?
EWU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EWU and VXUS?
EWU and VXUS share 58 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or VXUS?
EWU yields 3.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EWU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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