EWD vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EWD (iShares MSCI Sweden ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWD is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Sweden Index, while EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWD returned 9.31%/yr vs 9.28%/yr for EWJ. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

EWD vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWD achieves a 6.28% return, which is significantly lower than EWJ's 16.58% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EWD having a 9.31% annualized return and EWJ not far behind at 9.28%.

EWD

• 1D: 1.32%
• 1M: 2.83%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 17.94%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 4.52%
• 10Y*: 9.31%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 5.46%
• YTD: 16.58%
• 6M: 16.78%
• 1Y: 32.89%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 8.84%
• 10Y*: 9.28%

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

EWD vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWD iShares MSCI Sweden ETF	6.28%	36.55%	-3.90%	25.07%	-27.84%	22.84%	22.27%	21.74%	-12.78%	21.86%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	16.58%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between EWD and EWJ is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 1996	0.52

The correlation between EWD and EWJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (all time) to 0.67 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWD vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWD	EWJ
Industrials	46.5%	26.0%
Financial Services	24.1%	17.5%
Communication Services	12.3%	7.9%
Technology	7.2%	19.1%
Basic Materials	3.2%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	3.6%
Healthcare	1.2%	6.3%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.3%
Energy	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

EWD vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWD

EWD Risk / Return Rank: 27
EWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
EWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EWD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
EWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
EWD Martin Ratio Rank: 30

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 51
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

EWD vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (EWD) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). 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.

	EWD	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.70	-0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.45	-1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.24	2.43	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.26	8.23	-3.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWD vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWD Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWD and EWJ, 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

	EWD	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92	1.70	-0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.49	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.54	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.11	+0.16

Drawdowns

EWD vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWD drawdown since its inception was -75.40%, which is greater than EWJ's maximum drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWD and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWD	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.40%	-60.93%	-14.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.49%	-13.59%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.84%	-14.68%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.33%	-33.14%	-9.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.33%	-33.14%	-9.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.39%	0.00%	-4.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.22%	-21.74%	+2.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.22%	4.01%	+0.21%

Volatility

EWD vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (EWD) has a higher volatility of 7.28% compared to iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) at 4.21%. This indicates that EWD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWD	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.28%	4.21%	+3.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.50%	15.02%	+1.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.76%	19.49%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.93%	18.23%	+5.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.50%	17.27%	+6.23%

EWD vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWD vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

EWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than EWJ's 3.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWD iShares MSCI Sweden ETF	3.08%	3.27%	1.77%	2.41%	3.68%	5.46%	0.98%	4.15%	5.17%	3.23%	3.91%	4.08%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.88%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWD and EWJ in my portfolio?

EWD and EWJ have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWD or EWJ?

EWD has higher volatility (7.28%) compared to EWJ (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWD dropped -75.40% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, EWD or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, EWD leads with 9.31% vs 9.28% for EWJ. On fees, EWJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWD or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, EWD has performed better with a 9.31% return vs 9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWD or EWJ?

EWJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for EWD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWD or EWJ?

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 3.08% for EWD.

What is the main difference between EWD and EWJ?

EWD is categorized as Europe Equities, while EWJ is Japan Equities. EWD tracks MSCI Sweden Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for EWD and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.92), 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.