EWU vs. XLG

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

EWU (iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI United Kingdom Index, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWU returned 8.19%/yr vs 16.30%/yr for XLG. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWU charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

EWU vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWU achieves a 6.99% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 2.78% return. Over the past 10 years, EWU has underperformed XLG with an annualized return of 8.19%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively higher 16.30% annualized return.

EWU

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: 2.05%
• 6M: 4.15%
• YTD: 6.99%
• 1Y: 20.51%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 11.83%
• 10Y*: 8.19%
• ALL TIME*: 5.95%

XLG

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.51%
• 6M: 3.54%
• YTD: 2.78%
• 1Y: 15.07%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 13.82%
• 10Y*: 16.30%
• ALL TIME*: 11.33%

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

EWU vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	6.99%	34.95%	6.74%	12.40%	-4.39%	18.19%	-11.80%	21.29%	-14.30%	21.54%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	2.78%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between EWU and XLG is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2005	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between EWU and XLG has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EWU vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWU	XLG
Financial Services	28.3%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	14.3%	5.0%
Healthcare	13.1%	6.6%
Industrials	12.4%	2.9%
Energy	11.0%	2.2%
Basic Materials	8.1%	0.6%
Utilities	4.7%	0.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	10.0%
Communication Services	2.3%	13.5%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Technology	0.6%	49.5%

Return for Risk

EWU vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWU

EWU Risk / Return Rank: 54
EWU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
EWU Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
EWU Omega Ratio Rank: 50
EWU Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
EWU Martin Ratio Rank: 54

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 36
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 37
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

EWU vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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.

	EWU	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.06	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	1.52	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.19	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	1.22	+0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.80	4.01	+2.79

EWU vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWU Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is higher than the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWU and XLG, 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

EWU vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWU drawdown since its inception was -63.99%, which is greater than XLG's maximum drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWU and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWU	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.99%	-52.39%	-11.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-12.41%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.63%	-20.70%	+8.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.91%	-28.02%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.33%	-30.46%	-12.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.34%	-5.83%	+2.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.12%	-7.63%	-6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	3.77%	-0.74%

Volatility

EWU vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is 3.97%, while Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) has a volatility of 4.49%. This indicates that EWU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWU	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	4.49%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.85%	11.19%	+1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.92%	14.27%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.39%	18.83%	-2.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	18.88%	-0.66%

EWU vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWU has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWU vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

EWU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than XLG's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	3.22%	3.73%	4.16%	4.14%	3.43%	4.35%	2.48%	4.13%	4.98%	3.91%	3.97%	4.11%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.65%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWU and XLG in my portfolio?

EWU and XLG have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWU or XLG?

XLG has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to EWU (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWU dropped -63.99% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, EWU or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 16.30% vs 8.19% for EWU. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EWU has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWU or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 16.30% return vs 8.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWU or XLG?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EWU.

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

EWU has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 0.65% for XLG.

What is the main difference between EWU and XLG?

EWU is categorized as Europe Equities, while XLG is S&P 500. EWU tracks MSCI United Kingdom Index, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EWU and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 1.06), 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.