EWUS vs. EWK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWUS (iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF) and EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) are both Europe Equities funds from iShares - EWUS tracks the MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index while EWK tracks the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWUS returned 4.97%/yr vs 7.30%/yr for EWK. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWUS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWK.

Performance

EWUS vs. EWK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) and iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWUS achieves a -0.31% return, which is significantly lower than EWK's 10.79% return. Over the past 10 years, EWUS has underperformed EWK with an annualized return of 4.97%, while EWK has yielded a comparatively higher 7.30% annualized return.

EWUS

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -3.03%
• YTD: -0.31%
• 6M: 0.01%
• 1Y: 5.85%
• 3Y*: 12.78%
• 5Y*: 0.40%
• 10Y*: 4.97%

EWK

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 10.79%
• 6M: 10.98%
• 1Y: 24.61%
• 3Y*: 17.24%
• 5Y*: 6.31%
• 10Y*: 7.30%

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

EWUS vs. EWK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWUS iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF	-0.31%	25.13%	3.55%	15.41%	-31.19%	12.55%	-2.58%	35.16%	-20.16%	32.17%
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	10.79%	35.38%	0.14%	7.47%	-13.98%	12.84%	0.04%	25.92%	-20.40%	23.70%

Correlation

The correlation between EWUS and EWK is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2012	0.65

The correlation between EWUS and EWK shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWUS vs. EWK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWUS	EWK
Financial Services	23.1%	16.1%
Industrials	20.4%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	18.0%	1.8%
Real Estate	8.4%	10.1%
Communication Services	6.8%	1.3%
Basic Materials	6.3%	5.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	24.7%
Technology	3.9%	1.7%
Energy	3.3%	1.2%
Healthcare	3.1%	27.1%
Utilities	2.8%	2.7%

Return for Risk

EWUS vs. EWK — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWUS

EWUS Risk / Return Rank: 13
EWUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Omega Ratio Rank: 12
EWUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
EWUS Martin Ratio Rank: 14

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 44
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 49
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

EWUS vs. EWK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) and iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK). 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.

	EWUS	EWK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.59	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.61	2.27	-1.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.29	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.39	1.60	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.22	5.71	-4.50

EWUS vs. EWK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWUS Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the EWK Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWUS and EWK, 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

EWUS vs. EWK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWUS drawdown since its inception was -49.33%, smaller than the maximum EWK drawdown of -74.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWUS and EWK.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWUS	EWK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.33%	-74.10%	+24.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.21%	-15.47%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.84%	-15.64%	-4.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.14%	-33.24%	-14.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.33%	-42.80%	-6.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.35%	-2.73%	-4.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.05%	-21.50%	+8.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.82%	4.32%	+0.50%

Volatility

EWUS vs. EWK - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) has a higher volatility of 4.96% compared to iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) at 4.14%. This indicates that EWUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWUS	EWK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.96%	4.14%	+0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.97%	13.14%	+1.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.14%	15.54%	+2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	17.88%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.92%	18.86%	+3.06%

EWUS vs. EWK - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWUS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than EWK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWUS vs. EWK - Dividend Comparison

EWUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, more than EWK's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.85%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
EWUS iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF	3.30%	3.59%	3.67%	2.88%	2.03%	3.54%	1.97%	2.59%	3.53%	2.61%	3.18%	2.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWUS and EWK in my portfolio?

EWUS and EWK have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWUS or EWK?

EWUS has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to EWK (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWUS dropped -49.33% vs EWK's -74.10%.

Which ETF is better, EWUS or EWK?

On 10-year performance, EWK leads with 7.30% vs 4.97% for EWUS. On fees, EWK is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWK has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWUS or EWK?

Over the 10-year period, EWK has performed better with a 7.30% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWUS or EWK?

EWK is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWUS or EWK?

EWUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 1.85% for EWK.

What is the main difference between EWUS and EWK?

EWUS tracks MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index, while EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWUS and 0.49% for EWK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 0.33), 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.