EWZ vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.37% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.12% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.67% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EWZ vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWZ returned +27.12% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EWZ is up 6.37% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EWZ compounded at +9.70% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.67% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.87%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWZ charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWZ currently yields 4.01% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EWZ and VXUS share 36 holdings out of 7880 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWZ or VXUS?
EWZ has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWZ or VXUS?
Over the past year EWZ returned +27.12% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so EWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWZ annualized +3.87% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWZ or VXUS?
EWZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EWZ -82.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EWZ and VXUS?
EWZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWZ and VXUS?
EWZ and VXUS share 36 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWZ or VXUS?
EWZ yields 4.01% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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