AIA vs. EWJ
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ).
AIA and EWJ are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. AIA is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the S&P Asia 50. It was launched on Nov 13, 2007. EWJ is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI Japan Index. It was launched on Mar 12, 1996. Both AIA and EWJ are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
AIA vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
AIA vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF | 10.14% | 47.79% | 20.26% | 4.32% | -24.08% | -10.91% | 33.73% | 22.21% | -14.22% | 45.00% |
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF | 7.11% | 25.84% | 7.03% | 20.29% | -17.72% | 1.16% | 15.40% | 19.34% | -14.10% | 24.27% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AIA achieves a 10.14% return, which is significantly higher than EWJ's 7.11% return. Over the past 10 years, AIA has outperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 11.95%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively lower 9.04% annualized return.
AIA
- 1D
- 1.18%
- 1M
- -7.60%
- YTD
- 10.14%
- 6M
- 14.00%
- 1Y
- 51.63%
- 3Y*
- 23.25%
- 5Y*
- 5.17%
- 10Y*
- 11.95%
EWJ
- 1D
- 2.42%
- 1M
- -4.12%
- YTD
- 7.11%
- 6M
- 11.85%
- 1Y
- 32.61%
- 3Y*
- 17.20%
- 5Y*
- 7.13%
- 10Y*
- 9.04%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
AIA vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison
AIA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
AIA vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank
AIA
EWJ
AIA vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
| AIA | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.96 | 1.49 | +0.47 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.56 | 2.12 | +0.44 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.37 | 1.29 | +0.07 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.15 | 2.35 | +0.80 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.29 | 8.67 | +3.62 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| AIA | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.96 | 1.49 | +0.47 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.21 | 0.40 | -0.19 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.52 | 0.52 | -0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.26 | 0.10 | +0.15 |
Correlation
The correlation between AIA and EWJ is 0.62, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
AIA vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison
AIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than EWJ's 4.22% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF | 2.27% | 2.50% | 2.78% | 2.07% | 2.59% | 1.54% | 1.11% | 2.24% | 2.49% | 1.45% | 2.29% | 2.88% |
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF | 4.22% | 4.52% | 2.34% | 2.03% | 1.23% | 2.08% | 1.04% | 2.03% | 1.71% | 1.25% | 1.95% | 1.27% |
Drawdowns
AIA vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AIA drawdown since its inception was -60.89%, roughly equal to the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIA and EWJ.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| AIA | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -60.89% | -60.93% | +0.04% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -16.52% | -13.59% | -2.93% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -51.12% | -33.14% | -17.98% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -54.64% | -33.14% | -21.50% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.68% | -7.97% | -1.71% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.81% | -21.84% | +5.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.28% | 3.68% | +0.60% |
Volatility
AIA vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a higher volatility of 11.21% compared to iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) at 9.02%. This indicates that AIA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| AIA | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.21% | 9.02% | +2.19% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 19.49% | 15.04% | +4.45% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 26.41% | 21.96% | +4.45% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.87% | 18.12% | +6.75% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.19% | 17.32% | +5.87% |