EIRL vs. EWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EIRL (iShares MSCI Ireland ETF) and EWM (iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EIRL is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while EWM is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Malaysia Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EIRL returned 8.09%/yr vs 2.59%/yr for EWM. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

EIRL vs. EWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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, EIRL achieves a 3.82% return, which is significantly higher than EWM's 2.45% return. Over the past 10 years, EIRL has outperformed EWM with an annualized return of 8.09%, while EWM has yielded a comparatively lower 2.59% annualized return.

EIRL

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 5.57%
• YTD: 3.82%
• 6M: 5.87%
• 1Y: 19.14%
• 3Y*: 13.07%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 8.09%

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)

EIRL vs. EWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	3.82%	28.82%	-1.64%	35.13%	-18.83%	13.72%	9.63%	28.15%	-21.92%	29.82%
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 EIRL and EWM is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2010	0.44

EIRL vs. EWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EIRL	EWM
Financial Services	34.0%	46.6%
Industrials	24.8%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	14.6%	7.3%
Healthcare	10.2%	3.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	1.1%
Energy	4.8%	3.9%
Real Estate	2.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	8.9%
Technology	0.3%	-
Communication Services	-	6.6%
Utilities	-	10.8%

Return for Risk

EIRL vs. EWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIRL

EIRL Risk / Return Rank: 29
EIRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
EIRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
EIRL Omega Ratio Rank: 29
EIRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
EIRL Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

EIRL vs. EWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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.

	EIRL	EWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.49	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	2.09	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.26	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	2.65	-1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.41	8.22	-3.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EIRL vs. EWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIRL Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is comparable to the EWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIRL 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

	EIRL	EWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.07	1.49	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.33	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.16	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.07	+0.36

Drawdowns

EIRL vs. EWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIRL drawdown since its inception was -46.48%, smaller than the maximum EWM drawdown of -89.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIRL and EWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIRL	EWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.48%	-89.19%	+42.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.28%	-7.86%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.04%	-21.31%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.14%	-22.76%	-17.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.48%	-43.81%	-2.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-9.46%	+8.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.11%	-31.82%	+22.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	2.53%	+1.82%

Volatility

EIRL vs. EWM - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) has a higher volatility of 5.72% compared to iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) at 4.15%. This indicates that EIRL'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

	EIRL	EWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.72%	4.15%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.82%	10.86%	+3.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	13.99%	+4.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	13.70%	+7.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.76%	16.29%	+5.47%

EIRL vs. EWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EIRL and EWM have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

EIRL vs. EWM - Dividend Comparison

EIRL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, less than EWM's 3.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	2.61%	2.71%	2.56%	1.00%	1.13%	0.82%	0.50%	2.11%	1.52%	1.44%	1.34%	1.70%
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 EIRL and EWM in my portfolio?

EIRL and EWM have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIRL or EWM?

EIRL has higher volatility (5.72%) compared to EWM (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIRL dropped -46.48% vs EWM's -89.19%.

Which ETF is better, EIRL or EWM?

On 10-year performance, EIRL leads with 8.09% vs 2.59% for EWM. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. 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, EIRL or EWM?

Over the 10-year period, EIRL has performed better with a 8.09% return vs 2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EIRL or EWM?

EIRL and EWM have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

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

EWM has the higher dividend yield at 3.33%, compared with 2.61% for EIRL.

What is the main difference between EIRL and EWM?

EIRL is categorized as Europe Equities, while EWM is Asia Pacific Equities. EIRL tracks MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while EWM tracks MSCI Malaysia Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.07), 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.