EWZ vs VTI
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.03% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.83% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.41% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.66% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
EWZ vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) 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 EWZ returned +28.83% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EWZ is up 7.03% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EWZ compounded at +10.41% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.66% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +3.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.3% 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 -82.8% for EWZ 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWZ 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, EWZ currently yields 4.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EWZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2834 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 VTI?
EWZ 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, EWZ or VTI?
Over the past year EWZ returned +28.83% vs +21.39% for VTI, so EWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EWZ annualized +3.90% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWZ or VTI?
EWZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EWZ -82.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EWZ and VTI?
EWZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWZ and VTI?
EWZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2834 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWZ or VTI?
EWZ yields 4.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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