BKF vs. EWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BKF (iShares MSCI BRIC ETF) and EWM (iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds from iShares - BKF tracks the MSCI BRIC Index while EWM tracks the MSCI Malaysia Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BKF returned 5.04%/yr vs 2.59%/yr for EWM. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BKF charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWM.

Performance

BKF vs. EWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BKF achieves a -7.96% return, which is significantly lower than EWM's 2.45% return. Over the past 10 years, BKF has outperformed EWM with an annualized return of 5.04%, while EWM has yielded a comparatively lower 2.59% annualized return.

BKF

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -3.91%
• YTD: -7.96%
• 6M: -8.28%
• 1Y: 1.92%
• 3Y*: 8.00%
• 5Y*: -4.06%
• 10Y*: 5.04%

EWM

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: -5.11%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 20.74%
• 3Y*: 14.49%
• 5Y*: 4.53%
• 10Y*: 2.59%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BKF vs. EWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	-7.96%	22.30%	9.24%	1.27%	-21.78%	-11.87%	16.52%	22.93%	-13.80%	41.80%
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	2.45%	15.74%	19.46%	-3.61%	-6.00%	-7.40%	3.12%	-1.41%	-6.28%	24.25%

Correlation

The correlation between BKF and EWM is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2007	0.65

The correlation between BKF and EWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (5 years) to 0.65 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BKF vs. EWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKF	EWM
Financial Services	23.7%	46.6%
Consumer Cyclical	19.5%	1.1%
Communication Services	12.6%	6.6%
Technology	7.9%	-
Basic Materials	7.3%	8.9%
Energy	7.2%	3.9%
Industrials	7.2%	11.1%
Healthcare	5.2%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	7.3%
Utilities	3.9%	10.8%
Real Estate	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

BKF vs. EWM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BKF

BKF Risk / Return Rank: 10
BKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
BKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
BKF Omega Ratio Rank: 10
BKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BKF Martin Ratio Rank: 10

EWM

EWM Risk / Return Rank: 45
EWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
EWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
EWM Omega Ratio Rank: 40
EWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
EWM Martin Ratio Rank: 49

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BKF vs. EWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) and iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM). 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.

	BKF	EWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.12	1.49	-1.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.29	2.09	-1.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.26	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.14	2.65	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.38	8.22	-7.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKF vs. EWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKF Sharpe Ratio is 0.12, which is lower than the EWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKF and EWM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKF	EWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12	1.49	-1.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.19	0.33	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	0.16	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.00	0.07	-0.06

Drawdowns

BKF vs. EWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKF drawdown since its inception was -70.29%, smaller than the maximum EWM drawdown of -89.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKF and EWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKF	EWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.29%	-89.19%	+18.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.43%	-7.86%	-5.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.60%	-21.31%	+2.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.94%	-22.76%	-22.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.20%	-43.81%	-5.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.46%	-9.46%	-16.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.11%	-31.82%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	2.53%	+2.57%

Volatility

BKF vs. EWM - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI BRIC ETF (BKF) has a higher volatility of 5.46% compared to iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) at 4.15%. This indicates that BKF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKF	EWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	4.15%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	10.86%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.53%	13.99%	+1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.52%	13.70%	+7.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.77%	16.29%	+5.48%

BKF vs. EWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKF has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than EWM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKF vs. EWM - Dividend Comparison

BKF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.95%, less than EWM's 3.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKF iShares MSCI BRIC ETF	1.95%	1.79%	2.37%	1.68%	2.04%	2.93%	1.02%	1.66%	2.33%	1.51%	1.82%	3.15%
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	3.33%	3.41%	3.32%	3.47%	3.00%	6.48%	1.89%	2.91%	3.84%	5.58%	5.97%	37.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKF and EWM in my portfolio?

BKF and EWM have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BKF or EWM?

BKF has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to EWM (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKF dropped -70.29% vs EWM's -89.19%.

Which ETF is better, BKF or EWM?

On 10-year performance, BKF leads with 5.04% vs 2.59% for EWM. On fees, EWM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWM has been the lower-risk option at 4.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKF or EWM?

Over the 10-year period, BKF has performed better with a 5.04% return vs 2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKF or EWM?

EWM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BKF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKF or EWM?

EWM has the higher dividend yield at 3.33%, compared with 1.95% for BKF.

What is the main difference between BKF and EWM?

BKF tracks MSCI BRIC Index, while EWM tracks MSCI Malaysia Index. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BKF and 0.49% for EWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 0.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.