DBJP vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DBJP (Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both Japan Equities funds - DBJP tracks the MSCI Japan US Dollar Hedged Index while EWJ tracks the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBJP returned 17.99%/yr vs 10.06%/yr for EWJ. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DBJP charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

DBJP vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DBJP) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBJP achieves a 26.50% return, which is significantly higher than EWJ's 20.75% return. Over the past 10 years, DBJP has outperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 17.99%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively lower 10.06% annualized return.

DBJP

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 8.14%
• YTD: 26.50%
• 6M: 26.96%
• 1Y: 61.50%
• 3Y*: 30.36%
• 5Y*: 22.89%
• 10Y*: 17.99%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 6.43%
• YTD: 20.75%
• 6M: 21.17%
• 1Y: 40.95%
• 3Y*: 20.20%
• 5Y*: 10.09%
• 10Y*: 10.06%

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

DBJP vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBJP Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF	26.50%	29.51%	25.53%	36.21%	-4.19%	13.04%	10.53%	20.87%	-14.82%	21.24%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	20.75%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DBJP and EWJ is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2011	0.82

The correlation between DBJP and EWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBJP vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBJP	EWJ
Industrials	24.5%	24.5%
Technology	21.7%	21.7%
Financial Services	17.0%	17.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	11.9%
Communication Services	8.9%	8.9%
Healthcare	5.6%	5.6%
Basic Materials	3.4%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Utilities	1.0%	1.0%
Energy	0.9%	0.9%

Return for Risk

DBJP vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBJP

DBJP Risk / Return Rank: 92
DBJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DBJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DBJP Omega Ratio Rank: 91
DBJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DBJP Martin Ratio Rank: 93

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 63
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 64
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

DBJP vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DBJP) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DBJP	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.19	2.04	+1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.21	2.83	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.37	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.95	3.03	+2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.89	10.19	+12.70

DBJP vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBJP Sharpe Ratio is 3.19, which is higher than the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBJP and EWJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DBJP vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBJP drawdown since its inception was -31.30%, smaller than the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBJP and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBJP	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.30%	-60.93%	+29.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.39%	-13.59%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.50%	-14.68%	-6.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.50%	-33.14%	+11.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.30%	-33.14%	+1.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.27%	-21.71%	+14.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	4.03%	-1.34%

Volatility

DBJP vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DBJP) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) have volatilities of 6.27% and 6.48%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBJP	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	6.48%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.86%	16.02%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.42%	20.26%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	18.40%	+0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.44%	17.33%	+2.11%

DBJP vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBJP has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBJP vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

DBJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than EWJ's 3.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBJP Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF	1.20%	2.81%	2.80%	5.21%	0.80%	2.30%	2.53%	2.56%	3.87%	2.07%	1.13%	5.95%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.67%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBJP and EWJ in my portfolio?

DBJP and EWJ have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DBJP or EWJ?

EWJ has higher volatility (6.48%) compared to DBJP (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBJP dropped -31.30% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, DBJP or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, DBJP leads with 17.99% vs 10.06% for EWJ. On fees, DBJP is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, DBJP has been the lower-risk option at 6.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBJP or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, DBJP has performed better with a 17.99% return vs 10.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBJP or EWJ?

DBJP is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBJP or EWJ?

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.67%, compared with 1.20% for DBJP.

What is the main difference between DBJP and EWJ?

DBJP tracks MSCI Japan US Dollar Hedged Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DBJP and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.04), 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.