EWK vs. PBEU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) and PBEU (Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while PBEU is a Financials Equities fund tracking the BITA European Banks Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWK charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for PBEU.

Performance

EWK vs. PBEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF (PBEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWK achieves a 10.79% return, which is significantly lower than PBEU's 13.63% return.

EWK

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 10.79%
• 6M: 10.98%
• 1Y: 24.61%
• 3Y*: 17.24%
• 5Y*: 6.31%
• 10Y*: 7.30%

PBEU

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: 7.22%
• YTD: 13.63%
• 6M: 14.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EWK vs. PBEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	10.79%	2.53%
PBEU Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF	13.63%	11.42%

Correlation

The correlation between EWK and PBEU is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2025	0.58

Return for Risk

EWK vs. PBEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 44
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 38

PBEU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. PBEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF (PBEU). 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	PBEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.71	—	—

Drawdowns

EWK vs. PBEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWK drawdown since its inception was -74.10%, which is greater than PBEU's maximum drawdown of -17.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWK and PBEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWK	PBEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.10%	-17.26%	-56.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.80%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.73%	-1.42%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.50%	-3.94%	-17.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EWK	PBEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.14%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.54%	27.63%	-12.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.88%	27.63%	-9.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.86%	27.63%	-8.77%

EWK vs. PBEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWK has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than PBEU's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWK vs. PBEU - Dividend Comparison

EWK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, more than PBEU's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.85%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
PBEU Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWK and PBEU in my portfolio?

EWK and PBEU have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EWK or PBEU?

On fees, PBEU is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWK or PBEU?

PBEU is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWK.

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

EWK has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 0.01% for PBEU.

What is the main difference between EWK and PBEU?

EWK is categorized as Europe Equities, while PBEU is Financials Equities. EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while PBEU tracks BITA European Banks Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Portfolio Building Block. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWK and 0.13% for PBEU.