EWN vs. NORW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWN (iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF) and NORW (Global X MSCI Norway ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - EWN tracks the MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index while NORW tracks the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWN returned 12.79%/yr vs 9.61%/yr for NORW. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

EWN vs. NORW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) and Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW). 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 lower than NORW's 26.31% return. Over the past 10 years, EWN has outperformed NORW with an annualized return of 12.79%, while NORW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.61% 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%

NORW

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 26.31%
• 6M: 31.64%
• 1Y: 36.12%
• 3Y*: 23.02%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

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

EWN vs. NORW - 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%
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	26.31%	32.59%	-2.50%	5.03%	-12.55%	13.65%	26.00%	14.39%	-10.39%	24.03%

Correlation

The correlation between EWN and NORW is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2009	0.72

Over the past year, the correlation between EWN and NORW has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.72, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EWN vs. NORW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWN	NORW
Technology	34.8%	4.1%
Financial Services	18.1%	22.6%
Communication Services	14.7%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	11.5%	12.5%
Industrials	10.2%	13.3%
Basic Materials	3.1%	10.9%
Healthcare	2.6%	-
Energy	2.1%	29.4%
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.4%
Utilities	-	0.7%

Return for Risk

EWN vs. NORW — 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

NORW

NORW Risk / Return Rank: 66
NORW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
NORW Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
NORW Omega Ratio Rank: 60
NORW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NORW Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. NORW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) and Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW). 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	NORW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.18	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	3.00	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.37	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	3.95	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	11.27	-1.57
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. NORW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWN Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the NORW Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWN and NORW, 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	NORW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.73	2.18	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.37	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.46	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.40	-0.10

Drawdowns

EWN vs. NORW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWN drawdown since its inception was -65.22%, which is greater than NORW's maximum drawdown of -35.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWN and NORW.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWN	NORW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.22%	-35.62%	-29.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.24%	-9.18%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.77%	-16.06%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.57%	-32.78%	-10.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.57%	-33.86%	-9.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.30%	-3.53%	+2.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.35%	-10.13%	-6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	3.21%	+0.28%

Volatility

EWN vs. NORW - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) has a higher volatility of 7.50% compared to Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) at 4.06%. This indicates that EWN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NORW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWN	NORW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.50%	4.06%	+3.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.37%	12.73%	+3.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.68%	16.70%	+2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.88%	21.88%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.36%	20.80%	+0.56%

EWN vs. NORW - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWN vs. NORW - Dividend Comparison

EWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.26%, more than NORW's 2.72% 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%
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	2.72%	3.44%	6.02%	5.27%	4.01%	1.51%	1.13%	2.47%	3.53%	3.64%	3.79%	2.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWN and NORW in my portfolio?

EWN and NORW have a correlation of 0.34, 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 NORW?

EWN has higher volatility (7.50%) compared to NORW (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWN dropped -65.22% vs NORW's -35.62%.

Which ETF is better, EWN or NORW?

On 10-year performance, EWN leads with 12.79% vs 9.61% for NORW. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, NORW has been the lower-risk option at 4.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWN or NORW?

Over the 10-year period, EWN has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 9.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWN or NORW?

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

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

EWN has the higher dividend yield at 4.26%, compared with 2.72% for NORW.

What is the main difference between EWN and NORW?

EWN tracks MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index, while NORW tracks MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NORW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.73), 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.