EWZ vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWZ returned 7.53%/yr vs 11.53%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EWZ charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWZ achieves a 6.04% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -10.70% return. Over the past 10 years, EWZ has underperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 7.53%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively higher 11.53% annualized return.

EWZ

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: -13.88%
• YTD: 6.04%
• 6M: 6.47%
• 1Y: 28.14%
• 3Y*: 7.95%
• 5Y*: 3.87%
• 10Y*: 7.53%

GDXJ

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: -19.25%
• YTD: -10.70%
• 6M: -0.52%
• 1Y: 50.65%
• 3Y*: 42.13%
• 5Y*: 15.86%
• 10Y*: 11.53%

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

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	6.04%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-2.52%	23.62%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-10.70%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between EWZ and GDXJ 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	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2009	0.32

The correlation between EWZ and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.29 (10 years) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWZ	GDXJ
Financial Services	32.7%	-
Energy	18.5%	-
Basic Materials	13.7%	100.0%
Utilities	12.9%	-
Industrials	10.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	-
Healthcare	2.4%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	-
Technology	1.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EWZ vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 34
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 35

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	EWZ	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.00	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	1.45	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.20	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.43	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.96	3.72	+1.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWZ and GDXJ, 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

	EWZ	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	1.00	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14	0.39	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22	0.26	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.05	+0.12

Drawdowns

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWZ drawdown since its inception was -77.25%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWZ and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWZ	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.25%	-88.66%	+11.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.27%	-35.60%	+16.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.36%	-35.60%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.24%	-50.99%	+18.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.99%	-57.77%	+0.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.15%	-34.94%	+8.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.95%	-60.48%	+24.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.68%	13.67%	-7.99%

Volatility

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) is 7.32%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 17.66%. This indicates that EWZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWZ	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.32%	17.66%	-10.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.79%	42.71%	-21.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.12%	50.84%	-25.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.68%	41.34%	-13.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.07%	44.15%	-10.08%

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWZ has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWZ vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

EWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.89%, more than GDXJ's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.89%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.61%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWZ and GDXJ in my portfolio?

EWZ and GDXJ 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, EWZ or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (17.66%) compared to EWZ (7.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWZ dropped -77.25% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, EWZ or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 11.53% vs 7.53% for EWZ. On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, EWZ has been the lower-risk option at 7.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWZ or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 11.53% return vs 7.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWZ or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWZ or GDXJ?

EWZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.89%, compared with 2.61% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between EWZ and GDXJ?

EWZ is categorized as Latin America Equities, while GDXJ is Gold. EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWZ and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 1.00), 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.