EWC vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWC (iShares MSCI Canada ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWC is a Canada Equities fund tracking the MSCI Canada Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWC returned 11.19%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

EWC vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWC achieves a 8.73% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.92% return. Over the past 10 years, EWC has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 11.19%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.17% annualized return.

EWC

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 8.73%
• 6M: 12.75%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 21.89%
• 5Y*: 11.19%
• 10Y*: 11.19%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

EWC vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWC iShares MSCI Canada ETF	8.73%	35.92%	12.38%	14.73%	-12.95%	26.98%	5.52%	27.58%	-17.16%	15.73%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between EWC and VEA is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 27, 2007	0.79

The correlation between EWC and VEA shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.83 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWC vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWC	VEA
Financial Services	38.1%	23.3%
Energy	19.1%	5.4%
Basic Materials	14.8%	7.5%
Industrials	9.4%	19.2%
Technology	8.4%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	5.6%
Utilities	2.3%	3.3%
Communication Services	0.7%	3.4%
Real Estate	0.2%	2.7%
Healthcare	-	8.2%

Return for Risk

EWC vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWC

EWC Risk / Return Rank: 68
EWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
EWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
EWC Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EWC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	EWC	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.09	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.87	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	2.81	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.25	10.94	+4.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWC vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWC Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWC and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EWC	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.24	2.09	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.58	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.59	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.25	+0.16

Drawdowns

EWC vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWC drawdown since its inception was -60.75%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWC and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWC	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.75%	-60.68%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.51%	-11.63%	+3.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.97%	-13.45%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.81%	-29.71%	+4.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.66%	-35.73%	-6.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-0.90%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.14%	-13.29%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.98%	-0.92%

Volatility

EWC vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) is 3.46%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that EWC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWC	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.46%	5.66%	-2.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.03%	13.32%	-2.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	15.66%	-1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.25%	16.55%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	17.36%	+1.38%

EWC vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWC vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

EWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, less than VEA's 2.62% 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%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWC and VEA in my portfolio?

EWC and VEA have a correlation of 0.72, 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to EWC (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWC dropped -60.75% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, EWC or VEA?

On 10-year performance, EWC leads with 11.19% vs 10.17% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, EWC has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWC or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, EWC has performed better with a 11.19% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWC or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWC.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.33% for EWC.

What is the main difference between EWC and VEA?

EWC is categorized as Canada Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. EWC tracks MSCI Canada Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWC and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 2.09), 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.