EWY vs. GNR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) and GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index, while GNR is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Natural Resources Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWY returned 16.84%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for GNR. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWY charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GNR.

Performance

EWY vs. GNR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWY achieves a 103.10% return, which is significantly higher than GNR's 17.34% return. Over the past 10 years, EWY has outperformed GNR with an annualized return of 16.84%, while GNR has yielded a comparatively lower 10.91% annualized return.

EWY

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 103.10%
• 6M: 117.85%
• 1Y: 198.25%
• 3Y*: 46.46%
• 5Y*: 18.80%
• 10Y*: 16.84%

GNR

• 1D: 1.21%
• 1M: -3.83%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 18.86%
• 1Y: 35.92%
• 3Y*: 13.61%
• 5Y*: 9.29%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

EWY vs. GNR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	103.10%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	17.34%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%

Correlation

The correlation between EWY and GNR is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
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 Sep 14, 2010	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between EWY and GNR has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EWY vs. GNR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWY	GNR
Technology	52.4%	-
Industrials	20.4%	0.2%
Financial Services	9.6%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	6.3%
Healthcare	3.5%	0.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	50.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	4.6%
Energy	1.4%	37.6%
Utilities	0.4%	0.0%
Real Estate	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

EWY vs. GNR — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 79
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 73
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

EWY vs. GNR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). 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.

	EWY	GNR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.29	2.12	+2.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.08	2.74	+1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.37	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.65	4.53	+4.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.24	16.42	+13.82

EWY vs. GNR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWY Sharpe Ratio is 4.29, which is higher than the GNR Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWY and GNR, 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

EWY vs. GNR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWY drawdown since its inception was -74.14%, which is greater than GNR's maximum drawdown of -51.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWY and GNR.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWY	GNR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.14%	-51.37%	-22.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.08%	-7.97%	-15.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.36%	-21.15%	-6.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.55%	-25.66%	-22.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.73%	-48.59%	-1.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.88%	-3.91%	-4.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.11%	-14.93%	-5.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.59%	2.19%	+4.40%

Volatility

EWY vs. GNR - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a higher volatility of 25.64% compared to SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) at 5.75%. This indicates that EWY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GNR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWY	GNR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.64%	5.75%	+19.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.65%	13.87%	+28.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.51%	17.04%	+29.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.15%	20.33%	+9.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.06%	21.89%	+6.17%

EWY vs. GNR - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWY has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GNR's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWY vs. GNR - Dividend Comparison

EWY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than GNR's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	1.03%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.53%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWY and GNR in my portfolio?

EWY and GNR have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWY or GNR?

EWY has higher volatility (25.64%) compared to GNR (5.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWY dropped -74.14% vs GNR's -51.37%.

Which ETF is better, EWY or GNR?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 16.84% vs 10.91% for GNR. On fees, GNR is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GNR has been the lower-risk option at 5.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWY or GNR?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 16.84% return vs 10.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWY or GNR?

GNR is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

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

GNR has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 1.03% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EWY and GNR?

EWY is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while GNR is Commodity Producers Equities. EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index, while GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWY and 0.40% for GNR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.29 vs 2.12), 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.