EEMV vs. EWY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EEMV (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF) and EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds from iShares - EEMV tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility Index while EWY tracks the MSCI Korea Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EEMV returned 6.68%/yr vs 17.46%/yr for EWY. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EEMV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWY.

Performance

EEMV vs. EWY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF (EEMV) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMV achieves a 17.74% return, which is significantly lower than EWY's 119.05% return. Over the past 10 years, EEMV has underperformed EWY with an annualized return of 6.68%, while EWY has yielded a comparatively higher 17.46% annualized return.

EEMV

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 7.00%
• YTD: 17.74%
• 6M: 18.90%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 14.14%
• 5Y*: 5.59%
• 10Y*: 6.68%

EWY

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 30.18%
• YTD: 119.05%
• 6M: 134.13%
• 1Y: 251.82%
• 3Y*: 51.99%
• 5Y*: 20.31%
• 10Y*: 17.46%

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

EEMV vs. EWY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMV iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF	17.74%	13.45%	7.98%	7.75%	-13.94%	5.05%	6.90%	7.83%	-5.81%	27.28%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	119.05%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMV and EWY is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2011	0.78

The correlation between EEMV and EWY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEMV vs. EWY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMV	EWY
Technology	28.9%	52.4%
Financial Services	17.7%	9.6%
Communication Services	11.2%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	1.7%
Industrials	6.7%	20.4%
Healthcare	6.2%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	5.7%
Utilities	4.6%	0.4%
Energy	3.4%	1.4%
Basic Materials	3.1%	2.0%
Real Estate	0.5%	-

Return for Risk

EEMV vs. EWY — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMV

EEMV Risk / Return Rank: 61
EEMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
EEMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
EEMV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
EEMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EEMV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 96
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 95
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

EEMV vs. EWY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF (EEMV) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). 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.

	EEMV	EWY	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	6.02	-3.98
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	5.31	-2.42
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.74	-0.34
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	10.99	-8.09
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.79	40.91	-30.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EEMV vs. EWY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMV Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is lower than the EWY Sharpe Ratio of 6.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMV and EWY, 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

	EEMV	EWY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	6.02	-3.98
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.71	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.64	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.33	+0.06

Drawdowns

EEMV vs. EWY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMV drawdown since its inception was -31.56%, smaller than the maximum EWY drawdown of -74.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMV and EWY.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMV	EWY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.56%	-74.14%	+42.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-23.08%	+13.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.47%	-27.36%	+14.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.90%	-48.55%	+26.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.56%	-49.73%	+18.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.08%	-1.73%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.97%	-20.13%	+12.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	6.19%	-3.72%

Volatility

EEMV vs. EWY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF (EEMV) is 5.78%, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a volatility of 20.32%. This indicates that EEMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMV	EWY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.78%	20.32%	-14.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.71%	37.41%	-25.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.06%	42.10%	-29.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.85%	28.83%	-16.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.86%	27.37%	-13.51%

EEMV vs. EWY - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than EWY's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMV vs. EWY - Dividend Comparison

EEMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.25%, more than EWY's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMV iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF	2.25%	2.65%	3.50%	2.75%	1.93%	2.14%	2.45%	2.63%	2.46%	2.34%	2.79%	2.55%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	0.96%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMV and EWY in my portfolio?

EEMV and EWY have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EEMV or EWY?

EWY has higher volatility (20.32%) compared to EEMV (5.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMV dropped -31.56% vs EWY's -74.14%.

Which ETF is better, EEMV or EWY?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 17.46% vs 6.68% for EEMV. On fees, EEMV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, EEMV has been the lower-risk option at 5.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMV or EWY?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 17.46% return vs 6.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMV or EWY?

EEMV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEMV or EWY?

EEMV has the higher dividend yield at 2.25%, compared with 0.96% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EEMV and EWY?

EEMV tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility Index, while EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for EEMV and 0.59% for EWY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.02 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.