EWC vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

EWC (iShares MSCI Canada ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWC is a Canada Equities fund tracking the MSCI Canada Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWC returned 11.51%/yr vs 10.66%/yr for IEMG. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

EWC vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWC achieves a 9.79% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 26.58% return. Over the past 10 years, EWC has outperformed IEMG with an annualized return of 11.51%, while IEMG has yielded a comparatively lower 10.66% annualized return.

EWC

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 11.03%
• 1Y: 31.07%
• 3Y*: 21.53%
• 5Y*: 11.54%
• 10Y*: 11.51%

IEMG

• 1D: 3.05%
• 1M: 7.04%
• YTD: 26.58%
• 6M: 29.75%
• 1Y: 49.25%
• 3Y*: 22.05%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

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

EWC vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWC iShares MSCI Canada ETF	9.79%	35.92%	12.38%	14.73%	-12.95%	26.98%	5.52%	27.58%	-17.16%	15.73%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	26.58%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between EWC and IEMG is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.68

The correlation between EWC and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWC vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWC	IEMG
Financial Services	38.7%	16.7%
Energy	18.3%	3.3%
Basic Materials	15.7%	6.3%
Industrials	9.2%	8.0%
Technology	8.3%	42.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	2.8%
Utilities	2.2%	1.9%
Communication Services	0.9%	5.6%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.6%
Healthcare	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

EWC vs. IEMG — 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: 83

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 80
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.33	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	3.00	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	3.75	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.91	13.77	+1.13

EWC vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWC Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWC and IEMG, 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. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWC drawdown since its inception was -60.75%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWC and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWC	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.75%	-38.71%	-22.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.51%	-13.21%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-17.21%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.81%	-35.75%	+10.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.66%	-38.71%	-3.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-1.05%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.13%	-12.95%	-0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.09%	3.59%	-1.50%

Volatility

EWC vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is 4.42%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 11.01%. This indicates that EWC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWC	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	11.01%	-6.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.32%	19.09%	-7.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	21.25%	-6.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.30%	18.78%	-1.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	20.19%	-1.45%

EWC vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWC vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

EWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than IEMG's 2.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWC iShares MSCI Canada ETF	1.79%	1.45%	2.23%	2.27%	2.34%	1.85%	2.09%	2.16%	2.65%	1.97%	1.75%	2.34%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.97%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWC and IEMG in my portfolio?

EWC and IEMG have a correlation of 0.62, 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 IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (11.01%) compared to EWC (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWC dropped -60.75% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, EWC or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, EWC leads with 11.51% vs 10.66% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% 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 IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, EWC has performed better with a 11.51% return vs 10.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWC or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWC.

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

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.97%, compared with 1.79% for EWC.

What is the main difference between EWC and IEMG?

EWC is categorized as Canada Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Diversified. EWC tracks MSCI Canada Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWC and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.17), 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.