EWK vs. OPPE

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) and OPPE (WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - EWK tracks the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index while OPPE tracks the WisdomTree European Opportunities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWK returned 6.81%/yr vs 12.98%/yr for OPPE. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWK charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for OPPE.

Performance

EWK vs. OPPE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund (OPPE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWK achieves a 9.69% return, which is significantly lower than OPPE's 14.31% return. Over the past 10 years, EWK has underperformed OPPE with an annualized return of 6.81%, while OPPE has yielded a comparatively higher 12.98% annualized return.

EWK

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -2.82%
• 6M: 5.95%
• YTD: 9.69%
• 1Y: 22.41%
• 3Y*: 15.38%
• 5Y*: 6.62%
• 10Y*: 6.81%

OPPE

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.41%
• 6M: 11.19%
• YTD: 14.31%
• 1Y: 26.70%
• 3Y*: 23.29%
• 5Y*: 14.49%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

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

EWK vs. OPPE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	9.69%	35.38%	0.14%	7.47%	-13.98%	12.84%	0.04%	25.92%	-20.40%	23.70%
OPPE WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund	14.31%	38.80%	10.42%	19.80%	-11.14%	23.52%	-2.92%	28.60%	-13.34%	22.25%

Correlation

The correlation between EWK and OPPE is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 4, 2015	0.72

The correlation between EWK and OPPE shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWK vs. OPPE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWK	OPPE
Healthcare	27.1%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	24.7%	4.2%
Financial Services	16.1%	23.3%
Real Estate	10.1%	1.4%
Industrials	8.1%	28.1%
Basic Materials	5.1%	11.0%
Utilities	2.7%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	3.3%
Technology	1.7%	7.8%
Communication Services	1.3%	1.5%
Energy	1.2%	8.7%

Return for Risk

EWK vs. OPPE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 45
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 52
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 39

OPPE

OPPE Risk / Return Rank: 72
OPPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
OPPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
OPPE Omega Ratio Rank: 69
OPPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
OPPE Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

EWK vs. OPPE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund (OPPE). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EWK	OPPE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.85	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.58	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.33	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	3.04	-1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.15	11.25	-6.10

EWK vs. OPPE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWK Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the OPPE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWK and OPPE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EWK vs. OPPE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWK drawdown since its inception was -74.10%, which is greater than OPPE's maximum drawdown of -39.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWK and OPPE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWK	OPPE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.10%	-39.28%	-34.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.47%	-8.83%	-6.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.64%	-15.04%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.24%	-24.49%	-8.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.80%	-39.28%	-3.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	0.00%	-3.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.46%	-5.43%	-16.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.36%	2.38%	+1.98%

Volatility

EWK vs. OPPE - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) has a higher volatility of 3.73% compared to WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund (OPPE) at 3.46%. This indicates that EWK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than OPPE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWK	OPPE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	3.46%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.42%	12.62%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.75%	14.53%	+1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.90%	15.67%	+2.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.79%	16.90%	+1.89%

EWK vs. OPPE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWK has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than OPPE's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWK vs. OPPE - Dividend Comparison

EWK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, less than OPPE's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.87%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
OPPE WisdomTree European Opportunities Fund	2.66%	2.95%	3.99%	3.53%	5.13%	2.39%	3.42%	3.08%	2.34%	1.46%	2.60%	4.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWK and OPPE in my portfolio?

EWK and OPPE have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWK or OPPE?

EWK has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to OPPE (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWK dropped -74.10% vs OPPE's -39.28%.

Which ETF is better, EWK or OPPE?

On 10-year performance, OPPE leads with 12.98% vs 6.81% for EWK. On fees, EWK is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, OPPE has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWK or OPPE?

Over the 10-year period, OPPE has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 6.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWK or OPPE?

EWK is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for OPPE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWK or OPPE?

OPPE has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.87% for EWK.

What is the main difference between EWK and OPPE?

EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while OPPE tracks WisdomTree European Opportunities Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWK and 0.58% for OPPE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPPE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.43), 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.