EWX vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap 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 | EWX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $702M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,452 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.41% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.74% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.12% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
EWX vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWX returned +12.74% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EWX is up 9.41% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EWX compounded at +13.10% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.12% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 15.3% 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 -63.9% for EWX 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWX charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWX currently yields 2.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWX and VTI share 12 holdings out of 6050 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWX or VTI?
EWX has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWX or VTI?
Over the past year EWX returned +12.74% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), EWX annualized +2.33% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWX or VTI?
EWX has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWX -63.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWX and VTI?
EWX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWX and VTI?
EWX and VTI share 12 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6050 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWX or VTI?
EWX yields 2.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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