EWC vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWC (iShares MSCI Canada ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWC is a Canada Equities fund tracking the MSCI Canada Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWC returned 11.42%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for VDE. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

EWC vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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 VDE's 29.66% return. Over the past 10 years, EWC has outperformed VDE with an annualized return of 11.42%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.39% 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%

VDE

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 29.66%
• 6M: 28.33%
• 1Y: 37.57%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 20.05%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

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

EWC vs. VDE - 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%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	29.66%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EWC and VDE is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between EWC and VDE has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EWC vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWC	VDE
Financial Services	38.1%	-
Energy	19.1%	99.5%
Basic Materials	14.8%	0.4%
Industrials	9.4%	0.1%
Technology	8.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Communication Services	0.7%	-
Real Estate	0.2%	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

EWC vs. VDE — 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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 62
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.85	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.43	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	3.20	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	8.95	+5.32

EWC vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWC Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWC and VDE, 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. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWC drawdown since its inception was -60.75%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWC and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWC	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.75%	-74.20%	+13.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.51%	-11.80%	+3.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-21.41%	+8.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.81%	-26.58%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.66%	-69.29%	+26.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.18%	-8.26%	+7.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.13%	-19.95%	+6.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.09%	4.21%	-2.12%

Volatility

EWC vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is 4.42%, while Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a volatility of 7.15%. This indicates that EWC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWC	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	7.15%	-2.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.32%	16.59%	-5.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	20.46%	-6.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	26.45%	-9.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	29.93%	-11.19%

EWC vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWC vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

EWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, less than VDE's 2.42% 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%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.42%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWC and VDE in my portfolio?

EWC and VDE have a correlation of 0.04, 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 VDE?

VDE has higher volatility (7.15%) compared to EWC (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWC dropped -60.75% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, EWC or VDE?

On 10-year performance, EWC leads with 11.42% vs 9.39% for VDE. On fees, VDE 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 VDE?

Over the 10-year period, EWC has performed better with a 11.42% return vs 9.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWC or VDE?

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

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 1.33% for EWC.

What is the main difference between EWC and VDE?

EWC is categorized as Canada Equities, while VDE is Energy Equities. EWC tracks MSCI Canada Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWC and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.85), 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.