EPP vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EPP (iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPP is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPP returned 7.62%/yr vs 9.25%/yr for VPU. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPP charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

EPP vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with EPP having a 6.84% return and VPU slightly lower at 6.78%. Over the past 10 years, EPP has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 7.62%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.25% annualized return.

EPP

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -1.93%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 6M: 5.29%
• 1Y: 13.95%
• 3Y*: 12.66%
• 5Y*: 4.60%
• 10Y*: 7.62%

VPU

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 6.78%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 13.99%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 10.36%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

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

EPP vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	6.84%	19.70%	4.76%	5.76%	-6.59%	4.26%	6.04%	18.30%	-10.78%	26.05%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	6.78%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between EPP and VPU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.44

The correlation between EPP and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EPP vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPP	VPU
Financial Services	44.9%	-
Basic Materials	17.0%	-
Industrials	8.5%	0.2%
Real Estate	7.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	-
Utilities	3.5%	99.3%
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	-
Energy	2.7%	0.5%
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Technology	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

EPP vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPP

EPP Risk / Return Rank: 29
EPP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
EPP Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EPP Omega Ratio Rank: 26
EPP Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
EPP Martin Ratio Rank: 34

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 28
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

EPP vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	EPP	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	0.98	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	1.38	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.17	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	1.58	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.68	3.36	+1.32

EPP vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPP Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is comparable to the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPP and VPU, 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

EPP vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPP drawdown since its inception was -66.01%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPP and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPP	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.01%	-46.31%	-19.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.79%	-8.90%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.29%	-17.34%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.79%	-25.15%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.30%	-36.42%	-2.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.22%	-4.02%	-1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.61%	-7.78%	-2.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	4.17%	-1.18%

Volatility

EPP vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) have volatilities of 5.38% and 5.15%, 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

	EPP	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	5.15%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	11.52%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.18%	14.44%	+0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.52%	17.03%	+0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	19.15%	-0.09%

EPP vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPP has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPP vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

EPP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, more than VPU's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	3.52%	3.77%	3.81%	4.10%	4.37%	4.58%	2.28%	3.89%	5.00%	4.15%	3.96%	4.90%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.59%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPP and VPU in my portfolio?

EPP and VPU have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPP or VPU?

EPP has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to VPU (5.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPP dropped -66.01% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, EPP or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.25% vs 7.62% for EPP. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPP or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.25% return vs 7.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPP or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for EPP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPP or VPU?

EPP has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 2.59% for VPU.

What is the main difference between EPP and VPU?

EPP is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. EPP tracks MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for EPP and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.92), 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.