HEWJ vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

HEWJ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HEWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HEWJ returned 17.30%/yr vs 13.17%/yr for VIG. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEWJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

HEWJ vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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 VIG's 7.43% return. Over the past 10 years, HEWJ has outperformed VIG with an annualized return of 17.30%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively lower 13.17% 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%

VIG

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 8.06%
• 1Y: 20.03%
• 3Y*: 15.47%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 13.17%

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

HEWJ vs. VIG - 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%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.43%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between HEWJ and VIG is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2014	0.62

The correlation between HEWJ and VIG shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (3 years) to 0.62 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HEWJ vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEWJ	VIG
Industrials	23.5%	11.8%
Technology	23.3%	26.2%
Financial Services	17.4%	20.6%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	4.7%
Communication Services	6.7%	0.5%
Healthcare	5.7%	16.5%
Basic Materials	3.9%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	10.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Utilities	0.9%	3.2%
Energy	0.9%	3.5%

Return for Risk

HEWJ vs. VIG — 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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 62
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	1.99	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	2.87	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.35	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.65	2.54	+3.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.85	10.27	+11.58

HEWJ vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEWJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is higher than the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEWJ and VIG, 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. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEWJ drawdown since its inception was -31.53%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEWJ and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEWJ	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.53%	-46.81%	+15.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.37%	-7.91%	-2.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.90%	-14.95%	-5.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.90%	-20.39%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.53%	-31.72%	+0.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.72%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.59%	-5.50%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	1.95%	+0.73%

Volatility

HEWJ vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) has a higher volatility of 6.27% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.86%. This indicates that HEWJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEWJ	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	2.86%	+3.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.73%	7.71%	+7.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.39%	10.13%	+9.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.18%	14.24%	+4.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.68%	16.06%	+3.62%

HEWJ vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEWJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEWJ vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

HEWJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEWJ and VIG in my portfolio?

HEWJ and VIG have a correlation of 0.51, 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 VIG?

HEWJ has higher volatility (6.27%) compared to VIG (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEWJ dropped -31.53% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, HEWJ or VIG?

On 10-year performance, HEWJ leads with 17.30% vs 13.17% for VIG. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEWJ or VIG?

Over the 10-year period, HEWJ has performed better with a 17.30% return vs 13.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEWJ or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HEWJ.

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

HEWJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.07%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between HEWJ and VIG?

HEWJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while VIG is Dividend. HEWJ tracks MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for HEWJ and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 1.99), 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.