EWJ vs. EWS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) and EWS (iShares MSCI Singapore ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index, while EWS is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Singapore Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWJ returned 9.28%/yr vs 7.72%/yr for EWS. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for EWS.

Performance

EWJ vs. EWS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWJ achieves a 16.58% return, which is significantly higher than EWS's 7.92% return. Over the past 10 years, EWJ has outperformed EWS with an annualized return of 9.28%, while EWS has yielded a comparatively lower 7.72% annualized return.

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%

EWS

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 6M: 8.58%
• 1Y: 18.50%
• 3Y*: 22.03%
• 5Y*: 9.34%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

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

EWJ vs. EWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
EWS iShares MSCI Singapore ETF	7.92%	31.35%	22.10%	6.15%	-9.80%	5.47%	-8.47%	14.54%	-11.34%	34.78%

Correlation

The correlation between EWJ and EWS is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 1996	0.52

The correlation between EWJ and EWS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWJ vs. EWS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWJ	EWS
Industrials	26.0%	18.1%
Technology	19.1%	4.0%
Financial Services	17.5%	52.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	3.5%
Communication Services	7.9%	4.2%
Healthcare	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	4.6%
Basic Materials	3.0%	-
Real Estate	2.3%	8.6%
Utilities	1.1%	4.7%
Energy	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

EWJ vs. EWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

EWS

EWS Risk / Return Rank: 39
EWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
EWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
EWS Omega Ratio Rank: 35
EWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
EWS Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

EWJ vs. EWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	EWJ	EWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.26	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	1.87	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.23	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.38	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.23	5.79	+2.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWJ vs. EWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is higher than the EWS Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWJ and EWS, 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

	EWJ	EWS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	1.26	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.54	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.43	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.11	0.15	-0.03

Drawdowns

EWJ vs. EWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWJ drawdown since its inception was -60.93%, smaller than the maximum EWS drawdown of -75.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWJ and EWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWJ	EWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.93%	-75.00%	+14.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-7.82%	-5.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-16.34%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.14%	-29.06%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.14%	-40.84%	+7.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.97%	+0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.74%	-21.88%	+0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.01%	3.20%	+0.81%

Volatility

EWJ vs. EWS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) has a higher volatility of 4.21% compared to iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) at 3.64%. This indicates that EWJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWJ	EWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	3.64%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.02%	11.43%	+3.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.49%	14.73%	+4.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.23%	17.25%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	18.03%	-0.76%

EWJ vs. EWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than EWS's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWJ vs. EWS - Dividend Comparison

EWJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, more than EWS's 3.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
EWS iShares MSCI Singapore ETF	3.80%	4.10%	4.28%	6.50%	2.56%	6.00%	2.68%	4.70%	4.21%	3.46%	3.96%	4.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWJ and EWS in my portfolio?

EWJ and EWS have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWJ or EWS?

EWJ has higher volatility (4.21%) compared to EWS (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWJ dropped -60.93% vs EWS's -75.00%.

Which ETF is better, EWJ or EWS?

On 10-year performance, EWJ leads with 9.28% vs 7.72% for EWS. On fees, EWJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWS has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWJ or EWS?

Over the 10-year period, EWJ has performed better with a 9.28% return vs 7.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWJ or EWS?

EWJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EWS.

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

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 3.80% for EWS.

What is the main difference between EWJ and EWS?

EWJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while EWS is Asia Pacific Equities. EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index, while EWS tracks MSCI Singapore Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWJ and 0.50% for EWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.26), 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.