EWW vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.26% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.19% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.33% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWW vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW) 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 EWW returned +27.19% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EWW is up 9.26% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWW compounded at +10.33% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EWW has the edge at +7.16% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -67.3% for EWW 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWW 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, EWW currently yields 3.20% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWW and VXUS share 29 holdings out of 7881 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWW | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMEXICOB:MX | 15.53% | 0.08% | 15.45% |
| GFNORTEO:MX | 11.30% | 0.07% | 11.23% |
| FEMSAUBD:MX | 8.53% | 0.04% | 8.49% |
| CEMEXCPO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WALMEX:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PE.OLES:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GAPB:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FUNO11:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GCARSOA1:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASURB:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWW or VXUS?
EWW 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, EWW or VXUS?
Over the past year EWW returned +27.19% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so EWW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWW annualized +7.16% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWW or VXUS?
EWW has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWW -67.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWW and VXUS?
EWW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWW and VXUS?
EWW and VXUS share 29 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWW or VXUS?
EWW yields 3.20% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EWW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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