EWP vs. EWY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWP (iShares MSCI Spain ETF) and EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWP is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Spain Index, while EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWP returned 10.99%/yr vs 17.46%/yr for EWY. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWY.

Performance

EWP vs. EWY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWP achieves a 5.49% return, which is significantly lower than EWY's 119.05% return. Over the past 10 years, EWP has underperformed EWY with an annualized return of 10.99%, while EWY has yielded a comparatively higher 17.46% annualized return.

EWP

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 5.49%
• 6M: 10.02%
• 1Y: 34.73%
• 3Y*: 30.89%
• 5Y*: 17.03%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

EWY

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 30.18%
• YTD: 119.05%
• 6M: 134.13%
• 1Y: 251.82%
• 3Y*: 51.99%
• 5Y*: 20.31%
• 10Y*: 17.46%

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

EWP vs. EWY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWP iShares MSCI Spain ETF	5.49%	78.03%	5.70%	30.26%	-5.18%	0.25%	-3.94%	11.93%	-15.32%	26.98%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	119.05%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%

Correlation

The correlation between EWP and EWY is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2000	0.50

The correlation between EWP and EWY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.43 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWP vs. EWY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWP	EWY
Financial Services	41.4%	9.6%
Utilities	21.2%	0.4%
Industrials	16.1%	20.4%
Energy	5.3%	1.4%
Technology	4.9%	52.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	5.7%
Communication Services	2.9%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.9%	-
Healthcare	1.3%	3.5%
Basic Materials	-	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

EWP vs. EWY — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWP

EWP Risk / Return Rank: 55
EWP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
EWP Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
EWP Omega Ratio Rank: 51
EWP Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
EWP Martin Ratio Rank: 60

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 96
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 95
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

EWP vs. EWY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). 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.

	EWP	EWY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	6.02	-4.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	5.31	-2.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.74	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	10.99	-7.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.91	40.91	-30.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWP vs. EWY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWP Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is lower than the EWY Sharpe Ratio of 6.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWP and EWY, 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

	EWP	EWY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	6.02	-4.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85	0.71	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.64	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.33	-0.02

Drawdowns

EWP vs. EWY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWP drawdown since its inception was -61.19%, smaller than the maximum EWY drawdown of -74.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWP and EWY.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWP	EWY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.19%	-74.14%	+12.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.38%	-23.08%	+11.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.19%	-27.36%	+15.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.91%	-48.55%	+14.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.36%	-49.73%	+3.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.60%	-1.73%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.43%	-20.13%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	6.19%	-3.00%

Volatility

EWP vs. EWY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) is 6.12%, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a volatility of 20.32%. This indicates that EWP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWP	EWY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.12%	20.32%	-14.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.64%	37.41%	-21.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.76%	42.10%	-23.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	28.83%	-8.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.23%	27.37%	-5.14%

EWP vs. EWY - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than EWY's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWP vs. EWY - Dividend Comparison

EWP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than EWY's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWP iShares MSCI Spain ETF	2.15%	2.27%	4.35%	2.70%	3.07%	3.29%	2.56%	3.72%	3.69%	2.72%	4.65%	3.85%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	0.96%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWP and EWY in my portfolio?

EWP and EWY have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWP or EWY?

EWY has higher volatility (20.32%) compared to EWP (6.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWP dropped -61.19% vs EWY's -74.14%.

Which ETF is better, EWP or EWY?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 17.46% vs 10.99% for EWP. On fees, EWP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, EWP has been the lower-risk option at 6.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWP or EWY?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 17.46% return vs 10.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWP or EWY?

EWP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWP or EWY?

EWP has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 0.96% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EWP and EWY?

EWP is categorized as Europe Equities, while EWY is Asia Pacific Equities. EWP tracks MSCI Spain Index, while EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EWP and 0.59% for EWY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.02 vs 1.87), 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.