EWY vs VTI
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +74.29% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +155.27% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.37% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
EWY vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) 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 EWY returned +155.27% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EWY is up 74.29% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EWY compounded at +46.37% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.08% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, EWY has the edge at +10.40% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 15.3% 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 -74.0% for EWY 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWY charges 0.59% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2866 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWY or VTI?
EWY has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWY or VTI?
Over the past year EWY returned +155.27% vs +21.39% for VTI, so EWY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWY annualized +10.40% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWY or VTI?
EWY has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWY -74.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWY and VTI?
EWY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWY and VTI?
EWY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWY or VTI?
EWY yields 1.30% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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