FEUZ vs. EWU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FEUZ (First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF) and EWU (iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FEUZ tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Eurozone Index while EWU tracks the MSCI United Kingdom Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FEUZ returned 10.73%/yr vs 8.17%/yr for EWU. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEUZ charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for EWU.

Performance

FEUZ vs. EWU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) and iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEUZ achieves a 9.47% return, which is significantly higher than EWU's 6.92% return. Over the past 10 years, FEUZ has outperformed EWU with an annualized return of 10.73%, while EWU has yielded a comparatively lower 8.17% annualized return.

FEUZ

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -2.69%
• 6M: 5.64%
• YTD: 9.47%
• 1Y: 21.15%
• 3Y*: 20.59%
• 5Y*: 10.31%
• 10Y*: 10.73%

EWU

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -0.29%
• 6M: 4.29%
• YTD: 6.92%
• 1Y: 20.07%
• 3Y*: 16.74%
• 5Y*: 11.31%
• 10Y*: 8.17%

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

FEUZ vs. EWU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEUZ First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF	9.47%	56.34%	1.64%	17.24%	-19.83%	11.93%	5.04%	22.06%	-20.61%	36.70%
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	6.92%	34.95%	6.74%	12.40%	-4.39%	18.19%	-11.80%	21.29%	-14.30%	21.54%

Correlation

The correlation between FEUZ and EWU is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2014	0.69

The correlation between FEUZ and EWU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

FEUZ vs. EWU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEUZ	EWU
Industrials	28.1%	13.2%
Financial Services	10.6%	25.7%
Energy	10.0%	11.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	3.8%
Utilities	7.9%	5.1%
Basic Materials	7.7%	9.5%
Technology	6.6%	0.7%
Real Estate	5.7%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	13.1%
Healthcare	5.0%	14.5%
Communication Services	3.6%	2.3%

Return for Risk

FEUZ vs. EWU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEUZ

FEUZ Risk / Return Rank: 43
FEUZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
FEUZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
FEUZ Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FEUZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FEUZ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

EWU

EWU Risk / Return Rank: 49
EWU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
EWU Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
EWU Omega Ratio Rank: 47
EWU Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EWU Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

FEUZ vs. EWU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) and iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU). 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.

	FEUZ	EWU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	1.36	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	1.98	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	2.03	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.33	6.70	-0.37

FEUZ vs. EWU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEUZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is comparable to the EWU Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEUZ and EWU, 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

FEUZ vs. EWU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEUZ drawdown since its inception was -48.08%, smaller than the maximum EWU drawdown of -63.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEUZ and EWU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEUZ	EWU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.08%	-63.99%	+15.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.49%	-9.92%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.02%	-12.63%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.64%	-24.91%	-13.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.08%	-43.33%	-4.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.00%	-3.40%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.42%	-14.13%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.00%	+0.35%

Volatility

FEUZ vs. EWU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) has a higher volatility of 5.25% compared to iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) at 4.63%. This indicates that FEUZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEUZ	EWU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.25%	4.63%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.20%	12.80%	+2.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.59%	14.90%	+2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.99%	16.44%	+5.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	18.22%	+3.21%

FEUZ vs. EWU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEUZ has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than EWU's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEUZ vs. EWU - Dividend Comparison

FEUZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, less than EWU's 3.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWU iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF	3.23%	3.73%	4.16%	4.14%	3.43%	4.35%	2.48%	4.13%	4.98%	3.91%	3.97%	4.11%
FEUZ First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF	2.72%	2.81%	2.01%	2.95%	3.14%	2.52%	1.46%	1.93%	2.46%	1.29%	2.12%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEUZ and EWU in my portfolio?

FEUZ and EWU have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEUZ or EWU?

FEUZ has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to EWU (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEUZ dropped -48.08% vs EWU's -63.99%.

Which ETF is better, FEUZ or EWU?

On 10-year performance, FEUZ leads with 10.73% vs 8.17% for EWU. On fees, EWU is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, EWU has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEUZ or EWU?

Over the 10-year period, FEUZ has performed better with a 10.73% return vs 8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEUZ or EWU?

EWU is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEUZ.

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

EWU has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 2.72% for FEUZ.

What is the main difference between FEUZ and EWU?

FEUZ tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Eurozone Index, while EWU tracks MSCI United Kingdom Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FEUZ and 0.50% for EWU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.21), 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.