EWY vs IVV
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. EWY delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWY | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.0B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +74.29% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +155.27% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.37% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2000 | May 15, 2000 |
EWY vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EWY returned +155.27% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, EWY is up 74.29% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, EWY compounded at +46.37% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +19.08% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, EWY has the edge at +10.40% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -74.0% for EWY and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWY charges 0.59% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWY currently yields 1.30% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EWY and IVV share 1 holdings out of 583 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 EWY | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.04% | 0.15% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWY or IVV?
EWY has an expense ratio of 0.59% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWY or IVV?
Over the past year EWY returned +155.27% vs +20.94% for IVV, so EWY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), EWY annualized +10.40% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWY or IVV?
EWY has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EWY -74.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EWY and IVV?
EWY and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWY and IVV?
EWY and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWY or IVV?
EWY yields 1.30% while IVV yields 1.10%, so EWY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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