EWJ vs. HEWJ

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) and HEWJ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF) are both Japan Equities funds from iShares - EWJ tracks the MSCI Japan Index while HEWJ tracks the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWJ returned 8.81%/yr vs 15.80%/yr for HEWJ. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWJ achieves a 12.36% return, which is significantly lower than HEWJ's 16.53% return. Over the past 10 years, EWJ has underperformed HEWJ with an annualized return of 8.81%, while HEWJ has yielded a comparatively higher 15.80% annualized return.

EWJ

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: -1.63%
• YTD: 12.36%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 28.52%
• 3Y*: 16.28%
• 5Y*: 8.04%
• 10Y*: 8.81%

HEWJ

• 1D: -3.50%
• 1M: 0.52%
• YTD: 16.53%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 47.32%
• 3Y*: 27.05%
• 5Y*: 20.58%
• 10Y*: 15.80%

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

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	12.36%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	16.53%	30.25%	24.80%	36.21%	-4.39%	12.79%	10.29%	20.79%	-14.68%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between EWJ and HEWJ is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2014	0.85

The correlation between EWJ and HEWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWJ	HEWJ
Industrials	26.0%	26.0%
Technology	19.1%	19.1%
Financial Services	17.5%	17.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.2%
Communication Services	7.9%	7.9%
Healthcare	6.3%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	3.6%
Basic Materials	3.0%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.3%
Utilities	1.1%	1.1%
Energy	1.1%	1.1%

Return for Risk

EWJ vs. HEWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 45
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 45
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 46

HEWJ

HEWJ Risk / Return Rank: 84
HEWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
HEWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
HEWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 82
HEWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
HEWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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. HEWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ). 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	HEWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.62	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	3.57	-1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.48	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	4.79	-2.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.31	18.75	-11.44
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. HEWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the HEWJ Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWJ and HEWJ, 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	HEWJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	2.62	-1.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	1.08	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.81	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.11	0.68	-0.57

Drawdowns

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWJ drawdown since its inception was -60.93%, which is greater than HEWJ's maximum drawdown of -31.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWJ and HEWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWJ	HEWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.93%	-31.53%	-29.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-10.37%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-20.90%	+6.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.14%	-20.90%	-12.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.14%	-31.53%	-1.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.62%	-3.50%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.73%	-6.61%	-15.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.01%	2.65%	+1.36%

Volatility

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) have volatilities of 5.08% and 5.07%, 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

	EWJ	HEWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	5.07%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.50%	14.16%	+1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.84%	18.98%	+0.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	19.10%	-0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.31%	19.67%	-2.36%

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWJ vs. HEWJ - Dividend Comparison

EWJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.03%, less than HEWJ's 4.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	4.03%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	4.38%	5.10%	2.20%	2.02%	47.68%	2.03%	1.20%	2.78%	1.37%	1.21%	1.88%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWJ and HEWJ in my portfolio?

EWJ and HEWJ have a correlation of 0.87, 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 HEWJ?

EWJ has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to HEWJ (5.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWJ dropped -60.93% vs HEWJ's -31.53%.

Which ETF is better, EWJ or HEWJ?

On 10-year performance, HEWJ leads with 15.80% vs 8.81% for EWJ. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWJ or HEWJ?

Over the 10-year period, HEWJ has performed better with a 15.80% return vs 8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWJ or HEWJ?

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

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

HEWJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 4.03% for EWJ.

What is the main difference between EWJ and HEWJ?

EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index, while HEWJ tracks MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 1.48), 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.