EPU vs. EWY

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) and EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPU is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPU returned 15.16%/yr vs 16.84%/yr for EWY. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

EPU vs. EWY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) 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, EPU achieves a 21.02% return, which is significantly lower than EWY's 103.10% return. Over the past 10 years, EPU has underperformed EWY with an annualized return of 15.16%, while EWY has yielded a comparatively higher 16.84% annualized return.

EPU

• 1D: 2.12%
• 1M: 9.44%
• YTD: 21.02%
• 6M: 26.87%
• 1Y: 85.51%
• 3Y*: 46.38%
• 5Y*: 28.15%
• 10Y*: 15.16%

EWY

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 10.39%
• YTD: 103.10%
• 6M: 117.85%
• 1Y: 203.95%
• 3Y*: 46.46%
• 5Y*: 18.80%
• 10Y*: 16.84%

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

EPU vs. EWY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	21.02%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	-11.81%	-4.31%	7.30%	-12.17%	29.70%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	103.10%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%

Correlation

The correlation between EPU and EWY is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2009	0.51

The correlation between EPU and EWY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

EPU vs. EWY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPU	EWY
Basic Materials	54.2%	2.5%
Financial Services	27.9%	9.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	1.8%
Real Estate	3.0%	-
Utilities	2.8%	0.4%
Industrials	2.6%	14.5%
Communication Services	1.5%	2.7%
Healthcare	0.9%	3.1%
Energy	-	0.7%
Technology	-	57.4%

Return for Risk

EPU vs. EWY — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 82
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 72

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

EPU vs. EWY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	EPU	EWY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	4.29	-1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	4.08	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.59	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.07	8.65	-4.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.73	30.24	-18.50

EPU vs. EWY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPU Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is lower than the EWY Sharpe Ratio of 4.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPU 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.

Drawdowns

EPU vs. EWY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPU drawdown since its inception was -60.62%, smaller than the maximum EWY drawdown of -74.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPU and EWY.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPU	EWY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.62%	-74.14%	+13.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.85%	-23.08%	+2.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.85%	-27.36%	+6.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-48.55%	+12.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.97%	-49.73%	-1.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.69%	-8.88%	+2.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.81%	-20.11%	+1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.22%	6.59%	+0.63%

Volatility

EPU vs. EWY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) is 13.52%, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a volatility of 25.64%. This indicates that EPU 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

	EPU	EWY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.52%	25.64%	-12.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.94%	42.65%	-15.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.04%	46.51%	-15.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.11%	30.15%	-5.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.64%	28.06%	-4.42%

EPU vs. EWY - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EPU and EWY have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

EPU vs. EWY - Dividend Comparison

EPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than EWY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	1.35%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	1.03%	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 EPU and EWY in my portfolio?

EPU and EWY have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPU or EWY?

EWY has higher volatility (25.64%) compared to EPU (13.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPU dropped -60.62% vs EWY's -74.14%.

Which ETF is better, EPU or EWY?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 16.84% vs 15.16% for EPU. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, EPU has been the lower-risk option at 13.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPU or EWY?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 16.84% return vs 15.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPU or EWY?

EPU and EWY have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

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

EPU has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.03% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EPU and EWY?

EPU is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while EWY is Asia Pacific Equities. EPU tracks MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.29 vs 2.73), 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.