HEWJ vs. EUSA

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

HEWJ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF) and EUSA (iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HEWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index, while EUSA is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HEWJ returned 17.30%/yr vs 11.59%/yr for EUSA. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEWJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for EUSA.

Performance

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) and iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEWJ achieves a 25.28% return, which is significantly higher than EUSA's 9.38% return. Over the past 10 years, HEWJ has outperformed EUSA with an annualized return of 17.30%, while EUSA has yielded a comparatively lower 11.59% annualized return.

HEWJ

• 1D: 2.28%
• 1M: 9.16%
• YTD: 25.28%
• 6M: 27.71%
• 1Y: 58.27%
• 3Y*: 29.10%
• 5Y*: 22.86%
• 10Y*: 17.30%

EUSA

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.24%
• YTD: 9.38%
• 6M: 9.41%
• 1Y: 18.63%
• 3Y*: 14.76%
• 5Y*: 8.22%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	25.28%	30.25%	24.80%	36.21%	-4.39%	12.79%	10.29%	20.79%	-14.68%	21.47%
EUSA iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF	9.38%	10.24%	14.64%	17.72%	-17.13%	25.60%	15.03%	30.56%	-8.58%	19.02%

Correlation

The correlation between HEWJ and EUSA is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2014	0.63

The correlation between HEWJ and EUSA shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.64 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEWJ	EUSA
Industrials	23.5%	15.3%
Technology	23.3%	20.3%
Financial Services	17.4%	14.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	11.1%
Communication Services	6.7%	4.0%
Healthcare	5.7%	10.8%
Basic Materials	3.9%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	5.3%
Real Estate	1.8%	5.2%
Utilities	0.9%	5.4%
Energy	0.9%	3.8%

Return for Risk

HEWJ vs. EUSA — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEWJ

HEWJ Risk / Return Rank: 92
HEWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
HEWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
HEWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 90
HEWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
HEWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 93

EUSA

EUSA Risk / Return Rank: 49
EUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
EUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
EUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 44
EUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) and iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA). 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.

	HEWJ	EUSA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	1.55	+1.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	2.23	+1.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.27	+0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.65	2.39	+3.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.85	9.43	+12.42

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEWJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is higher than the EUSA Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEWJ and EUSA, 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

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEWJ drawdown since its inception was -31.53%, smaller than the maximum EUSA drawdown of -39.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEWJ and EUSA.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEWJ	EUSA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.53%	-39.16%	+7.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.37%	-7.82%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.90%	-18.20%	-2.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.90%	-25.24%	+4.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.53%	-39.16%	+7.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.23%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.59%	-4.59%	-2.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.98%	+0.70%

Volatility

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Volatility Comparison

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) has a higher volatility of 6.27% compared to iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA) at 3.92%. This indicates that HEWJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EUSA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEWJ	EUSA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	3.92%	+2.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.73%	9.11%	+5.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.39%	12.08%	+7.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.18%	17.00%	+2.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.68%	18.36%	+1.32%

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEWJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than EUSA's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEWJ vs. EUSA - Dividend Comparison

HEWJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, more than EUSA's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EUSA iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF	1.48%	1.63%	1.47%	1.53%	1.73%	1.23%	1.45%	1.49%	2.01%	1.50%	1.59%	2.21%
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	4.07%	5.10%	2.20%	2.02%	47.68%	2.03%	1.20%	2.78%	1.37%	1.21%	1.88%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEWJ and EUSA in my portfolio?

HEWJ and EUSA have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEWJ or EUSA?

HEWJ has higher volatility (6.27%) compared to EUSA (3.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEWJ dropped -31.53% vs EUSA's -39.16%.

Which ETF is better, HEWJ or EUSA?

On 10-year performance, HEWJ leads with 17.30% vs 11.59% for EUSA. On fees, EUSA is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, EUSA has been the lower-risk option at 3.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEWJ or EUSA?

Over the 10-year period, HEWJ has performed better with a 17.30% return vs 11.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEWJ or EUSA?

EUSA is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HEWJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEWJ or EUSA?

HEWJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.07%, compared with 1.48% for EUSA.

What is the main difference between HEWJ and EUSA?

HEWJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while EUSA is Mid Cap Blend Equities. HEWJ tracks MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index, while EUSA tracks MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HEWJ and 0.09% for EUSA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 1.55), 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.