EWZ vs VOO
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.41% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.84% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.55% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2000 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EWZ vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWZ returned +30.84% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, EWZ is up 7.41% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, EWZ compounded at +10.55% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +3.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -82.8% for EWZ and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWZ charges 0.59% per year while VOO 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, EWZ currently yields 4.01% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EWZ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 552 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, EWZ or VOO?
EWZ has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWZ or VOO?
Over the past year EWZ returned +30.84% vs +21.62% for VOO, so EWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWZ annualized +3.91% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWZ or VOO?
EWZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EWZ -82.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EWZ and VOO?
EWZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWZ and VOO?
EWZ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWZ or VOO?
EWZ yields 4.01% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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