HEWJ vs VTI
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HEWJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEWJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $769M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.59% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.71% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.70% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.39% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
HEWJ vs VTI Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) 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 HEWJ returned +37.71% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, HEWJ is up 20.59% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, HEWJ compounded at +28.70% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.39% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, HEWJ has the edge at +12.79% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for HEWJ. 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 -34.1% for HEWJ 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEWJ charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEWJ currently yields 4.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HEWJ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2956 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, HEWJ or VTI?
HEWJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEWJ or VTI?
Over the past year HEWJ returned +37.71% vs +21.39% for VTI, so HEWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), HEWJ annualized +12.79% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEWJ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for HEWJ. Worst drawdown: HEWJ -34.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HEWJ and VTI?
HEWJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEWJ and VTI?
HEWJ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEWJ or VTI?
HEWJ yields 4.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HEWJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.