EPOL vs. EWW

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EPOL (iShares MSCI Poland ETF) and EWW (iShares MSCI Mexico ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPOL is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Poland Investable Market Index, while EWW is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPOL returned 12.14%/yr vs 7.64%/yr for EWW. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EPOL charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWW.

Performance

EPOL vs. EWW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPOL achieves a 12.68% return, which is significantly higher than EWW's 11.18% return. Over the past 10 years, EPOL has outperformed EWW with an annualized return of 12.14%, while EWW has yielded a comparatively lower 7.64% annualized return.

EPOL

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 12.68%
• 6M: 12.65%
• 1Y: 37.91%
• 3Y*: 33.91%
• 5Y*: 16.68%
• 10Y*: 12.14%

EWW

• 1D: -1.77%
• 1M: -0.88%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 6M: 10.19%
• 1Y: 35.19%
• 3Y*: 11.06%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: 7.64%

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

EPOL vs. EWW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPOL iShares MSCI Poland ETF	12.68%	77.34%	-2.61%	50.70%	-24.62%	12.21%	-8.38%	-6.13%	-13.76%	52.43%
EWW iShares MSCI Mexico ETF	11.18%	53.65%	-28.22%	40.32%	1.24%	20.27%	-3.06%	12.64%	-14.58%	14.47%

Correlation

The correlation between EPOL and EWW 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	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2010	0.58

The correlation between EPOL and EWW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

EPOL vs. EWW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPOL	EWW
Financial Services	44.6%	17.8%
Energy	14.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	1.4%
Basic Materials	7.3%	26.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	23.9%
Communication Services	5.7%	9.8%
Utilities	4.8%	-
Technology	2.0%	-
Industrials	1.7%	12.7%
Healthcare	0.6%	0.5%
Real Estate	-	7.7%

Return for Risk

EPOL vs. EWW — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPOL

EPOL Risk / Return Rank: 53
EPOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
EPOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
EPOL Omega Ratio Rank: 43
EPOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EPOL Martin Ratio Rank: 56

EWW

EWW Risk / Return Rank: 50
EWW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
EWW Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
EWW Omega Ratio Rank: 46
EWW Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
EWW Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

EPOL vs. EWW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) and iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW). 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.

	EPOL	EWW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.63	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.29	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	2.53	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.41	8.96	+0.45

EPOL vs. EWW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPOL Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the EWW Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPOL and EWW, 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

EPOL vs. EWW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPOL drawdown since its inception was -63.72%, roughly equal to the maximum EWW drawdown of -64.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPOL and EWW.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPOL	EWW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.72%	-64.94%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-13.98%	+2.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.81%	-31.17%	+9.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.21%	-31.17%	-23.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.41%	-53.62%	-7.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.27%	-5.11%	+1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.81%	-18.50%	-8.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	3.94%	+0.10%

Volatility

EPOL vs. EWW - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) has a higher volatility of 7.36% compared to iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW) at 6.51%. This indicates that EPOL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPOL	EWW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.36%	6.51%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.32%	18.27%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.69%	21.76%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.17%	22.59%	+6.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.64%	25.39%	+2.25%

EPOL vs. EWW - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPOL has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than EWW's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPOL vs. EWW - Dividend Comparison

EPOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.74%, more than EWW's 3.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPOL iShares MSCI Poland ETF	3.74%	4.78%	6.04%	2.87%	2.65%	1.33%	1.44%	2.51%	1.44%	1.88%	2.14%	2.53%
EWW iShares MSCI Mexico ETF	3.25%	3.48%	4.39%	2.19%	3.64%	2.06%	1.43%	2.92%	2.30%	2.22%	1.77%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPOL and EWW in my portfolio?

EPOL and EWW 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, EPOL or EWW?

EPOL has higher volatility (7.36%) compared to EWW (6.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPOL dropped -63.72% vs EWW's -64.94%.

Which ETF is better, EPOL or EWW?

On 10-year performance, EPOL leads with 12.14% vs 7.64% for EWW. On fees, EWW is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWW has been the lower-risk option at 6.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPOL or EWW?

Over the 10-year period, EPOL has performed better with a 12.14% return vs 7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPOL or EWW?

EWW is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for EPOL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPOL or EWW?

EPOL has the higher dividend yield at 3.74%, compared with 3.25% for EWW.

What is the main difference between EPOL and EWW?

EPOL is categorized as Europe Equities, while EWW is Latin America Equities. EPOL tracks MSCI Poland Investable Market Index, while EWW tracks MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for EPOL and 0.49% for EWW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.61), 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.