EWC vs. EWZ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWC (iShares MSCI Canada ETF) and EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWC is a Canada Equities fund tracking the MSCI Canada Index, while EWZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWC returned 11.42%/yr vs 8.29%/yr for EWZ. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWZ.

Performance

EWC vs. EWZ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWC achieves a 8.96% return, which is significantly lower than EWZ's 10.48% return. Over the past 10 years, EWC has outperformed EWZ with an annualized return of 11.42%, while EWZ has yielded a comparatively lower 8.29% annualized return.

EWC

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 8.96%
• 6M: 10.01%
• 1Y: 29.74%
• 3Y*: 21.64%
• 5Y*: 11.33%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

EWZ

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -4.57%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 6M: 9.03%
• 1Y: 31.47%
• 3Y*: 9.47%
• 5Y*: 4.96%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

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

EWC vs. EWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWC iShares MSCI Canada ETF	8.96%	35.92%	12.38%	14.73%	-12.95%	26.98%	5.52%	27.58%	-17.16%	15.73%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	10.48%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-2.52%	23.62%

Correlation

The correlation between EWC and EWZ is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2000	0.57

The correlation between EWC and EWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWC vs. EWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWC	EWZ
Financial Services	38.1%	32.7%
Energy	19.1%	18.5%
Basic Materials	14.8%	13.7%
Industrials	9.4%	10.9%
Technology	8.4%	1.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	4.2%
Utilities	2.3%	12.9%
Communication Services	0.7%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.2%	-
Healthcare	-	2.4%

Return for Risk

EWC vs. EWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWC

EWC Risk / Return Rank: 75
EWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
EWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
EWC Omega Ratio Rank: 70
EWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EWC Martin Ratio Rank: 82

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 38
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

EWC vs. EWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ). 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.

	EWC	EWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.25	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	1.76	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.22	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	1.64	+1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	5.17	+9.10

EWC vs. EWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWC Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is higher than the EWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWC and EWZ, 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

EWC vs. EWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWC drawdown since its inception was -60.75%, smaller than the maximum EWZ drawdown of -77.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWC and EWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWC	EWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.75%	-77.25%	+16.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.51%	-19.27%	+10.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-31.36%	+18.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.81%	-32.24%	+7.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.66%	-56.99%	+14.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.18%	-23.06%	+21.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.13%	-35.93%	+22.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.09%	6.10%	-4.01%

Volatility

EWC vs. EWZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is 4.42%, while iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) has a volatility of 7.35%. This indicates that EWC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWC	EWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	7.35%	-2.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.32%	19.97%	-8.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	25.20%	-10.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	27.70%	-10.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	34.04%	-15.30%

EWC vs. EWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than EWZ's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWC vs. EWZ - Dividend Comparison

EWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, less than EWZ's 4.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWC iShares MSCI Canada ETF	1.33%	1.45%	2.23%	2.27%	2.34%	1.85%	2.09%	2.16%	2.65%	1.97%	1.75%	2.34%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.70%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWC and EWZ in my portfolio?

EWC and EWZ have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWC or EWZ?

EWZ has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to EWC (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWC dropped -60.75% vs EWZ's -77.25%.

Which ETF is better, EWC or EWZ?

On 10-year performance, EWC leads with 11.42% vs 8.29% for EWZ. On fees, EWC is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWC has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWC or EWZ?

Over the 10-year period, EWC has performed better with a 11.42% return vs 8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWC or EWZ?

EWC is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWC or EWZ?

EWZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 1.33% for EWC.

What is the main difference between EWC and EWZ?

EWC is categorized as Canada Equities, while EWZ is Latin America Equities. EWC tracks MSCI Canada Index, while EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWC and 0.59% for EWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.25), 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.