EWT vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWT (iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWT is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Taiwan 25/50 Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWT returned 20.43%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for VTI. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWT charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

EWT vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWT achieves a 65.65% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 8.82% return. Over the past 10 years, EWT has outperformed VTI with an annualized return of 20.43%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively lower 15.14% annualized return.

EWT

• 1D: -5.64%
• 1M: 8.67%
• YTD: 65.65%
• 6M: 68.38%
• 1Y: 99.48%
• 3Y*: 39.48%
• 5Y*: 19.11%
• 10Y*: 20.43%

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

EWT vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWT iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF	65.65%	28.38%	16.11%	29.00%	-28.90%	26.18%	31.50%	33.36%	-9.90%	26.81%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between EWT and VTI is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.64

The correlation between EWT and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWT vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWT	VTI
Technology	76.9%	37.0%
Financial Services	12.0%	11.3%
Industrials	3.1%	9.4%
Basic Materials	2.9%	1.9%
Communication Services	1.7%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	1.6%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	4.3%
Healthcare	1.0%	9.0%
Energy	-	3.3%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

EWT vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWT

EWT Risk / Return Rank: 94
EWT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
EWT Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
EWT Omega Ratio Rank: 92
EWT Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWT Martin Ratio Rank: 95

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

EWT vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	EWT	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.59	1.90	+1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	2.59	+1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.34	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.52	2.73	+6.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	27.93	12.14	+15.79

EWT vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWT Sharpe Ratio is 3.59, which is higher than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWT and VTI, 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

EWT vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWT drawdown since its inception was -64.37%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWT and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWT	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.37%	-55.45%	-8.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-8.92%	-1.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.66%	-19.30%	-6.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.88%	-25.36%	-13.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.88%	-35.00%	-3.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.64%	-2.85%	-2.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.13%	-8.01%	-11.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.57%	2.00%	+1.57%

Volatility

EWT vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) has a higher volatility of 14.88% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.95%. This indicates that EWT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWT	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.88%	4.95%	+9.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.89%	10.05%	+13.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.85%	12.83%	+15.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.16%	17.51%	+5.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.80%	18.32%	+3.48%

EWT vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWT has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWT vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

EWT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWT iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF	2.68%	4.43%	3.32%	12.01%	18.82%	0.55%	1.83%	2.49%	3.16%	2.81%	2.39%	3.12%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWT and VTI in my portfolio?

EWT and VTI have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWT or VTI?

EWT has higher volatility (14.88%) compared to VTI (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWT dropped -64.37% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, EWT or VTI?

On 10-year performance, EWT leads with 20.43% vs 15.14% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWT or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, EWT has performed better with a 20.43% return vs 15.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWT or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWT or VTI?

EWT has the higher dividend yield at 2.68%, compared with 1.04% for VTI.

What is the main difference between EWT and VTI?

EWT is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. EWT tracks MSCI Taiwan 25/50 Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWT and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.59 vs 1.90), 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.