EWZ vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWZ returned 8.29%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for VDE. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWZ charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

EWZ vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWZ achieves a 10.48% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 29.66% return. Over the past 10 years, EWZ has underperformed VDE with an annualized return of 8.29%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively higher 9.39% annualized return.

EWZ

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -4.57%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 6M: 9.03%
• 1Y: 31.47%
• 3Y*: 9.47%
• 5Y*: 4.96%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

VDE

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 29.66%
• 6M: 28.33%
• 1Y: 37.57%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 20.05%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

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

EWZ vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	10.48%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-2.52%	23.62%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	29.66%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EWZ and VDE is 0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004	0.53

Over the past year, the correlation between EWZ and VDE has dropped to 0.06 - well below their long-term average of 0.53, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EWZ vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWZ	VDE
Financial Services	32.7%	-
Energy	18.5%	99.5%
Basic Materials	13.7%	0.4%
Utilities	12.9%	-
Industrials	10.9%	0.1%
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. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 38
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 62
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

	EWZ	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.85	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	2.43	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.30	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	3.20	-1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.17	8.95	-3.78

EWZ vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is lower than the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWZ and VDE, 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

EWZ vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWZ drawdown since its inception was -77.25%, roughly equal to the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWZ and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWZ	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.25%	-74.20%	-3.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.27%	-11.80%	-7.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.36%	-21.41%	-9.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.24%	-26.58%	-5.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.99%	-69.29%	+12.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.06%	-8.26%	-14.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.93%	-19.95%	-15.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.10%	4.21%	+1.89%

Volatility

EWZ vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) have volatilities of 7.35% and 7.15%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWZ	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.35%	7.15%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.97%	16.59%	+3.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.20%	20.46%	+4.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.70%	26.45%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.04%	29.93%	+4.11%

EWZ vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWZ has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWZ vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

EWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, more than VDE's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.70%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.42%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWZ and VDE in my portfolio?

EWZ and VDE have a correlation of 0.06, 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 VDE?

EWZ has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to VDE (7.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWZ dropped -77.25% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, EWZ or VDE?

On 10-year performance, VDE leads with 9.39% vs 8.29% for EWZ. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 7.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWZ or VDE?

Over the 10-year period, VDE has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWZ or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWZ.

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

EWZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 2.42% for VDE.

What is the main difference between EWZ and VDE?

EWZ is categorized as Latin America Equities, while VDE is Energy Equities. EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWZ and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.25), 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.