EWG vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWG (iShares MSCI Germany ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWG is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Germany Index, while EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWG returned 7.59%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for EWJ. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

EWG vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) 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, EWG achieves a 0.64% return, which is significantly lower than EWJ's 16.35% return. Over the past 10 years, EWG has underperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 7.59%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively higher 9.37% annualized return.

EWG

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 3.23%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 5.94%
• 10Y*: 7.59%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 6.60%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 6M: 17.97%
• 1Y: 32.53%
• 3Y*: 18.29%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

EWG vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWG iShares MSCI Germany ETF	0.64%	35.79%	9.79%	23.35%	-22.27%	5.84%	10.09%	19.15%	-21.40%	27.42%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	16.35%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between EWG and EWJ is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 1996	0.57

The correlation between EWG and EWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWG vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWG	EWJ
Industrials	30.3%	26.0%
Financial Services	21.6%	17.5%
Technology	13.8%	19.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	12.2%
Communication Services	6.6%	7.9%
Healthcare	6.1%	6.3%
Basic Materials	5.8%	3.0%
Utilities	4.9%	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	3.6%
Real Estate	1.3%	2.3%
Energy	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

EWG vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWG

EWG Risk / Return Rank: 11
EWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
EWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
EWG Omega Ratio Rank: 11
EWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
EWG Martin Ratio Rank: 12

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 48
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 49
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

EWG vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) 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.

	EWG	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	1.68	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	2.43	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.31	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.22	2.40	-2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.66	8.14	-7.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWG vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWG Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWG 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

	EWG	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19	1.68	-1.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.48	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.54	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.11	+0.13

Drawdowns

EWG vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWG drawdown since its inception was -67.57%, which is greater than EWJ's maximum drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWG and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWG	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.57%	-60.93%	-6.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.54%	-13.59%	-0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-14.68%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.44%	-33.14%	-10.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.80%	-33.14%	-13.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-0.03%	-3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.20%	-21.74%	+2.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	4.01%	+0.88%

Volatility

EWG vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) has a higher volatility of 6.49% compared to iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) at 4.33%. This indicates that EWG'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

	EWG	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.49%	4.33%	+2.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.18%	15.02%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.28%	19.53%	-2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.48%	18.23%	+2.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	17.27%	+3.84%

EWG vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EWG and EWJ have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

EWG vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

EWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, less than EWJ's 3.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWG iShares MSCI Germany ETF	1.59%	1.60%	2.38%	2.56%	3.24%	2.70%	1.67%	2.51%	2.93%	2.06%	2.35%	1.93%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.89%	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 EWG and EWJ in my portfolio?

EWG and EWJ have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWG or EWJ?

EWG has higher volatility (6.49%) compared to EWJ (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWG dropped -67.57% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, EWG or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, EWJ leads with 9.37% vs 7.59% for EWG. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. On volatility, EWJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWG or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, EWJ has performed better with a 9.37% return vs 7.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWG or EWJ?

EWG and EWJ have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

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

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.89%, compared with 1.59% for EWG.

What is the main difference between EWG and EWJ?

EWG is categorized as Europe Equities, while EWJ is Japan Equities. EWG tracks MSCI Germany Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 0.19), 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.