EWN vs. EWU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWN (iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF) and EWU (iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF) are both Europe Equities funds from iShares - EWN tracks the MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index while EWU tracks the MSCI United Kingdom Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWN returned 12.79%/yr vs 7.75%/yr for EWU. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

EWN vs. EWU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) and iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWN achieves a 18.09% return, which is significantly higher than EWU's 5.55% return. Over the past 10 years, EWN has outperformed EWU with an annualized return of 12.79%, while EWU has yielded a comparatively lower 7.75% annualized return.

EWN

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: 8.53%
• YTD: 18.09%
• 6M: 18.14%
• 1Y: 33.81%
• 3Y*: 19.93%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: 12.79%

EWU

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -0.00%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 8.87%
• 1Y: 20.53%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 7.75%

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

EWN vs. EWU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWN iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF	18.09%	34.87%	1.67%	22.08%	-24.43%	22.74%	23.23%	32.45%	-15.37%	33.73%
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	5.55%	34.95%	6.74%	12.40%	-4.39%	18.19%	-11.80%	21.29%	-14.30%	21.54%

Correlation

The correlation between EWN and EWU is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 1996	0.70

The correlation between EWN and EWU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWN vs. EWU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWN	EWU
Technology	34.8%	0.6%
Financial Services	18.1%	26.0%
Communication Services	14.7%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	11.5%	14.2%
Industrials	10.2%	12.1%
Basic Materials	3.1%	9.3%
Healthcare	2.6%	13.9%
Energy	2.1%	11.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	4.0%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.6%
Utilities	-	5.1%

Return for Risk

EWN vs. EWU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWN

EWN Risk / Return Rank: 51
EWN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
EWN Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
EWN Omega Ratio Rank: 47
EWN Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
EWN Martin Ratio Rank: 56

EWU

EWU Risk / Return Rank: 41
EWU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
EWU Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EWU Omega Ratio Rank: 39
EWU Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
EWU Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

EWN vs. EWU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) and iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU). 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.

	EWN	EWU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.44	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	2.05	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.26	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.08	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	7.54	+2.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWN vs. EWU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWN Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the EWU Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWN and EWU, 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

	EWN	EWU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.73	1.44	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.65	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.41	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.26	+0.04

Drawdowns

EWN vs. EWU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWN drawdown since its inception was -65.22%, roughly equal to the maximum EWU drawdown of -63.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWN and EWU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWN	EWU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.22%	-63.99%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.24%	-9.92%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	-12.63%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.57%	-24.91%	-18.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.57%	-43.33%	-0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.30%	-4.64%	+3.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.35%	-14.16%	-2.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	2.73%	+0.76%

Volatility

EWN vs. EWU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) has a higher volatility of 7.50% compared to iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) at 5.56%. This indicates that EWN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWN	EWU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.50%	5.56%	+1.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.37%	12.30%	+4.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.68%	14.39%	+5.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.88%	16.43%	+6.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.36%	18.84%	+2.52%

EWN vs. EWU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EWN and EWU have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

EWN vs. EWU - Dividend Comparison

EWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than EWU's 3.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWN iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF	4.26%	5.03%	2.18%	1.79%	1.98%	1.01%	0.78%	2.57%	2.40%	1.68%	2.71%	1.92%
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	3.53%	3.73%	4.16%	4.14%	3.43%	4.35%	2.48%	4.13%	4.98%	3.91%	3.97%	4.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWN and EWU in my portfolio?

EWN and EWU have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWN or EWU?

EWN has higher volatility (7.50%) compared to EWU (5.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWN dropped -65.22% vs EWU's -63.99%.

Which ETF is better, EWN or EWU?

On 10-year performance, EWN leads with 12.79% vs 7.75% for EWU. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, EWU has been the lower-risk option at 5.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWN or EWU?

Over the 10-year period, EWN has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWN or EWU?

EWN and EWU have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWN or EWU?

EWN has the higher dividend yield at 4.26%, compared with 3.53% for EWU.

What is the main difference between EWN and EWU?

EWN tracks MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index, while EWU tracks MSCI United Kingdom Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.44), 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.