EWA vs. EWP

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWA (iShares MSCI-Australia ETF) and EWP (iShares MSCI Spain ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Australia Index, while EWP is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Spain Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWA returned 8.75%/yr vs 12.33%/yr for EWP. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

EWA vs. EWP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI-Australia ETF (EWA) and iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWA achieves a 11.57% return, which is significantly higher than EWP's 8.89% return. Over the past 10 years, EWA has underperformed EWP with an annualized return of 8.75%, while EWP has yielded a comparatively higher 12.33% annualized return.

EWA

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 11.57%
• 6M: 12.06%
• 1Y: 13.27%
• 3Y*: 11.97%
• 5Y*: 5.57%
• 10Y*: 8.75%

EWP

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 4.02%
• YTD: 8.89%
• 6M: 11.54%
• 1Y: 36.89%
• 3Y*: 32.21%
• 5Y*: 17.57%
• 10Y*: 12.33%

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

EWA vs. EWP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWA iShares MSCI-Australia ETF	11.57%	13.35%	1.60%	13.81%	-5.92%	8.93%	8.29%	22.45%	-12.04%	19.88%
EWP iShares MSCI Spain ETF	8.89%	78.03%	5.70%	30.26%	-5.18%	0.25%	-3.94%	11.93%	-15.32%	26.98%

Correlation

The correlation between EWA and EWP is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 1996	0.54

The correlation between EWA and EWP shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (all time) to 0.70 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWA vs. EWP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWA	EWP
Financial Services	43.6%	41.4%
Basic Materials	23.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	4.0%
Real Estate	5.0%	2.9%
Healthcare	4.9%	1.3%
Energy	4.5%	5.3%
Industrials	4.5%	16.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	2.9%
Utilities	1.7%	21.2%
Technology	1.1%	4.9%

Return for Risk

EWA vs. EWP — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWA

EWA Risk / Return Rank: 26
EWA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
EWA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
EWA Omega Ratio Rank: 23
EWA Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
EWA Martin Ratio Rank: 29

EWP

EWP Risk / Return Rank: 69
EWP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
EWP Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
EWP Omega Ratio Rank: 65
EWP Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EWP Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

EWA vs. EWP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI-Australia ETF (EWA) and iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP). 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.

	EWA	EWP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	1.94	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	2.62	-1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.34	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	3.26	-1.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.68	11.51	-7.83

EWA vs. EWP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWA Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the EWP Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWA and EWP, 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

EWA vs. EWP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWA drawdown since its inception was -66.98%, which is greater than EWP's maximum drawdown of -61.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWA and EWP.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWA	EWP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.98%	-61.19%	-5.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.01%	-11.38%	+1.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.91%	-12.19%	-9.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.87%	-33.91%	+9.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.54%	-46.36%	+0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.44%	0.00%	-3.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.32%	-21.41%	+10.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	3.22%	+0.40%

Volatility

EWA vs. EWP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI-Australia ETF (EWA) is 5.80%, while iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) has a volatility of 6.21%. This indicates that EWA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWA	EWP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.80%	6.21%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.62%	16.09%	-1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.40%	19.13%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.80%	20.31%	-0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.62%	22.22%	+0.40%

EWA vs. EWP - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EWA and EWP have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

EWA vs. EWP - Dividend Comparison

EWA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than EWP's 2.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWA iShares MSCI-Australia ETF	2.88%	3.21%	3.71%	3.72%	5.28%	5.08%	2.02%	3.97%	6.11%	4.44%	4.03%	5.48%
EWP iShares MSCI Spain ETF	2.09%	2.27%	4.35%	2.70%	3.07%	3.29%	2.56%	3.72%	3.69%	2.72%	4.65%	3.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWA and EWP in my portfolio?

EWA and EWP have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWA or EWP?

EWP has higher volatility (6.21%) compared to EWA (5.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWA dropped -66.98% vs EWP's -61.19%.

Which ETF is better, EWA or EWP?

On 10-year performance, EWP leads with 12.33% vs 8.75% for EWA. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, EWA has been the lower-risk option at 5.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWA or EWP?

Over the 10-year period, EWP has performed better with a 12.33% return vs 8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWA or EWP?

EWA and EWP have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWA or EWP?

EWA has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.09% for EWP.

What is the main difference between EWA and EWP?

EWA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while EWP is Europe Equities. EWA tracks MSCI Australia Index, while EWP tracks MSCI Spain Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.77), 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.