EWK vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWK returned 7.35%/yr vs 15.42%/yr for SPY. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWK charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

EWK vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWK achieves a 13.90% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 9.07% return. Over the past 10 years, EWK has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 7.35%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.42% annualized return.

EWK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 5.69%
• YTD: 13.90%
• 6M: 14.48%
• 1Y: 26.95%
• 3Y*: 17.68%
• 5Y*: 6.35%
• 10Y*: 7.35%

SPY

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 6M: 9.42%
• 1Y: 25.67%
• 3Y*: 20.86%
• 5Y*: 13.36%
• 10Y*: 15.42%

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

EWK vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	13.90%	35.38%	0.14%	7.47%	-13.98%	12.84%	0.04%	25.92%	-20.40%	23.70%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.07%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between EWK and SPY is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 1996	0.55

The correlation between EWK and SPY shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (3 years) to 0.62 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWK vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWK	SPY
Healthcare	27.1%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	24.7%	4.5%
Financial Services	16.1%	11.1%
Real Estate	10.1%	1.8%
Industrials	8.1%	7.8%
Basic Materials	5.1%	1.7%
Utilities	2.7%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	9.9%
Technology	1.7%	39.0%
Communication Services	1.3%	10.6%
Energy	1.2%	3.1%

Return for Risk

EWK vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 49
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 56
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 42

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 70
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY 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. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.98	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.68	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.36	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.74	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.95	12.39	-6.44

EWK vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWK Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWK and SPY, 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. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWK drawdown since its inception was -74.10%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWK and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWK	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.10%	-55.19%	-18.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.47%	-8.88%	-6.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.64%	-18.76%	+3.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.43%	-24.50%	-9.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.80%	-33.72%	-9.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.35%	+2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.52%	-9.04%	-12.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	1.97%	+2.35%

Volatility

EWK vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) have volatilities of 4.37% and 4.34%, 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

	EWK	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	4.34%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.03%	9.58%	+3.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.57%	12.29%	+3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.90%	17.12%	+0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.05%	17.96%	+1.09%

EWK vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWK has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWK vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

EWK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, more than SPY's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.52%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.00%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWK and SPY in my portfolio?

EWK and SPY have a correlation of 0.52, 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 SPY?

EWK has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to SPY (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWK dropped -74.10% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, EWK or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.42% vs 7.35% for EWK. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. 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, EWK or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.42% return vs 7.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWK or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWK.

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

EWK has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 1.00% for SPY.

What is the main difference between EWK and SPY?

EWK is categorized as Europe Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWK and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.65), 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.