DXJS vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DXJS (WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both Japan Equities funds - DXJS tracks the WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Index while EWJ tracks the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DXJS returned 17.36%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for EWJ. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DXJS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

DXJS vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS) 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, DXJS achieves a 26.16% return, which is significantly higher than EWJ's 16.35% return. Over the past 10 years, DXJS has outperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 17.36%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively lower 9.37% annualized return.

DXJS

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 2.99%
• YTD: 26.16%
• 6M: 32.96%
• 1Y: 64.97%
• 3Y*: 34.91%
• 5Y*: 25.18%
• 10Y*: 17.36%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 6.60%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 6M: 17.97%
• 1Y: 32.53%
• 3Y*: 18.29%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

DXJS vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DXJS WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund	26.16%	37.08%	20.70%	38.96%	5.02%	11.66%	-3.22%	18.24%	-18.69%	29.56%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	16.35%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DXJS and EWJ is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2013	0.75

The correlation between DXJS and EWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

DXJS vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXJS	EWJ
Industrials	27.6%	26.0%
Consumer Cyclical	19.7%	12.2%
Basic Materials	12.0%	3.0%
Technology	11.2%	19.1%
Financial Services	9.2%	17.5%
Consumer Defensive	8.4%	3.6%
Healthcare	4.4%	6.3%
Real Estate	3.3%	2.3%
Communication Services	1.7%	7.9%
Utilities	1.6%	1.1%
Energy	1.0%	1.1%

Return for Risk

DXJS vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXJS

DXJS Risk / Return Rank: 91
DXJS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DXJS Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
DXJS Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DXJS Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DXJS Martin Ratio Rank: 92

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 48
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 49
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

DXJS vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS) 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.

	DXJS	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.33	1.68	+1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.34	2.43	+1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.31	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.65	2.40	+4.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.90	8.14	+15.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DXJS vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXJS Sharpe Ratio is 3.33, which is higher than the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXJS 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DXJS	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.33	1.68	+1.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.40	0.48	+0.92
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88	0.54	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.11	+0.64

Drawdowns

DXJS vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXJS drawdown since its inception was -39.30%, smaller than the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXJS and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXJS	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.30%	-60.93%	+21.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-13.59%	+3.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.49%	-14.68%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.49%	-33.14%	+16.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-33.14%	-6.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-0.03%	-4.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-21.74%	+15.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	4.01%	-1.28%

Volatility

DXJS vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS) has a higher volatility of 5.08% compared to iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) at 4.33%. This indicates that DXJS'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.

Volatility by Period

	DXJS	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	4.33%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.39%	15.02%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.64%	19.53%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.23%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.71%	17.27%	+2.44%

DXJS vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXJS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXJS vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

DXJS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than EWJ's 3.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DXJS WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund	1.50%	1.78%	4.02%	2.71%	2.63%	2.96%	3.04%	2.17%	2.06%	1.53%	1.66%	3.61%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.89%	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 DXJS and EWJ in my portfolio?

DXJS and EWJ have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DXJS or EWJ?

DXJS has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to EWJ (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXJS dropped -39.30% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, DXJS or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, DXJS leads with 17.36% vs 9.37% for EWJ. On fees, EWJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXJS or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, DXJS has performed better with a 17.36% return vs 9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXJS or EWJ?

EWJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DXJS.

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

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.89%, compared with 1.50% for DXJS.

What is the main difference between DXJS and EWJ?

DXJS tracks WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DXJS and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXJS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.33 vs 1.68), 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.