EWG vs. EWO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWG (iShares MSCI Germany ETF) and EWO (iShares MSCI Austria ETF) are both Europe Equities funds from iShares - EWG tracks the MSCI Germany Index while EWO tracks the MSCI Austria Investable Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWG returned 7.59%/yr vs 14.00%/yr for EWO. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

EWG vs. EWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) and iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO). 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 EWO's 14.52% return. Over the past 10 years, EWG has underperformed EWO with an annualized return of 7.59%, while EWO has yielded a comparatively higher 14.00% 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%

EWO

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: 5.62%
• YTD: 14.52%
• 6M: 21.29%
• 1Y: 43.71%
• 3Y*: 33.18%
• 5Y*: 14.75%
• 10Y*: 14.00%

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

EWG vs. EWO - 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%
EWO iShares MSCI Austria ETF	14.52%	74.21%	4.05%	20.63%	-21.95%	31.50%	-3.67%	17.05%	-22.88%	52.47%

Correlation

The correlation between EWG and EWO is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 1996	0.64

The correlation between EWG and EWO shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.79 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWG vs. EWO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWG	EWO
Industrials	30.3%	14.2%
Financial Services	21.6%	46.6%
Technology	13.8%	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	1.9%
Communication Services	6.6%	-
Healthcare	6.1%	-
Basic Materials	5.8%	8.1%
Utilities	4.9%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	4.4%
Energy	-	10.8%

Return for Risk

EWG vs. EWO — 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

EWO

EWO Risk / Return Rank: 66
EWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
EWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
EWO Omega Ratio Rank: 65
EWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
EWO Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. EWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) and iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO). 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	EWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	2.38	-2.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	3.27	-2.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.40	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.22	3.12	-2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.66	10.58	-9.92
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. EWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWG Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the EWO Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWG and EWO, 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	EWO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19	2.38	-2.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.68	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.61	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.27	-0.03

Drawdowns

EWG vs. EWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWG drawdown since its inception was -67.57%, smaller than the maximum EWO drawdown of -75.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWG and EWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWG	EWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.57%	-75.69%	+8.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.54%	-14.08%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-16.75%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.44%	-41.82%	-1.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.80%	-58.10%	+11.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-1.79%	-2.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.20%	-28.12%	+8.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	4.14%	+0.75%

Volatility

EWG vs. EWO - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) and iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO) have volatilities of 6.49% and 6.71%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWG	EWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.49%	6.71%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.18%	15.08%	-0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.28%	18.52%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.48%	21.84%	-1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	22.86%	-1.75%

EWG vs. EWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWG vs. EWO - Dividend Comparison

EWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, less than EWO's 2.08% 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%
EWO iShares MSCI Austria ETF	2.08%	2.38%	7.40%	5.66%	4.75%	2.42%	0.98%	3.11%	4.04%	2.03%	1.99%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWG and EWO in my portfolio?

EWG and EWO have a correlation of 0.75, 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 EWO?

EWO has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to EWG (6.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWG dropped -67.57% vs EWO's -75.69%.

Which ETF is better, EWG or EWO?

On 10-year performance, EWO leads with 14.00% vs 7.59% for EWG. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. On volatility, EWG has been the lower-risk option at 6.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWG or EWO?

Over the 10-year period, EWO has performed better with a 14.00% 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 EWO?

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

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

EWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.08%, compared with 1.59% for EWG.

What is the main difference between EWG and EWO?

EWG tracks MSCI Germany Index, while EWO tracks MSCI Austria Investable Market Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 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.