IDX vs. EWM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IDX (VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF) and EWM (iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds - IDX tracks the MVIS Indonesia Index while EWM tracks the MSCI Malaysia Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDX returned -4.14%/yr vs 2.50%/yr for EWM. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWM.

Performance

IDX vs. EWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (IDX) and iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDX achieves a -36.83% return, which is significantly lower than EWM's -0.61% return. Over the past 10 years, IDX has underperformed EWM with an annualized return of -4.14%, while EWM has yielded a comparatively higher 2.50% annualized return.

IDX

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: -2.98%
• YTD: -36.83%
• 6M: -37.32%
• 1Y: -24.87%
• 3Y*: -13.93%
• 5Y*: -8.11%
• 10Y*: -4.14%

EWM

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: -6.23%
• YTD: -0.61%
• 6M: -1.80%
• 1Y: 15.98%
• 3Y*: 14.03%
• 5Y*: 4.36%
• 10Y*: 2.50%

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

IDX vs. EWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDX VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF	-36.83%	13.83%	-9.75%	1.98%	-9.40%	-2.59%	-7.45%	6.26%	-10.46%	19.24%
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	-0.61%	15.74%	19.46%	-3.61%	-6.00%	-7.40%	3.12%	-1.41%	-6.28%	24.25%

Correlation

The correlation between IDX and EWM is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2009	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between IDX and EWM has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IDX vs. EWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDX	EWM
Financial Services	29.1%	50.5%
Basic Materials	21.3%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	9.7%	4.7%
Communication Services	9.5%	5.5%
Energy	9.5%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	1.1%
Utilities	4.2%	10.9%
Technology	2.2%	-
Healthcare	1.7%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.2%	-
Industrials	0.3%	12.2%

Return for Risk

IDX vs. EWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDX

IDX Risk / Return Rank: 3
IDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
IDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
IDX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
IDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
IDX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

EWM

EWM Risk / Return Rank: 34
EWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
EWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
EWM Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EWM Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

IDX vs. EWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (IDX) and iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM). 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.

	IDX	EWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.90	1.13	-2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.15	1.63	-2.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.85	1.20	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.56	1.51	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.57	4.94	-6.51

IDX vs. EWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDX Sharpe Ratio is -0.90, which is lower than the EWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDX and EWM, 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

IDX vs. EWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDX drawdown since its inception was -63.14%, smaller than the maximum EWM drawdown of -89.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDX and EWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDX	EWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.14%	-89.19%	+26.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.52%	-10.61%	-33.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-46.73%	-21.31%	-25.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-51.25%	-22.76%	-28.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.11%	-43.81%	-15.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-57.15%	-12.17%	-44.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.93%	-31.78%	+6.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.87%	3.24%	+12.63%

Volatility

IDX vs. EWM - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (IDX) has a higher volatility of 13.95% compared to iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) at 4.35%. This indicates that IDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDX	EWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.95%	4.35%	+9.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.27%	11.08%	+14.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.63%	14.16%	+13.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.10%	13.77%	+7.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.50%	16.19%	+8.31%

IDX vs. EWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than EWM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDX vs. EWM - Dividend Comparison

IDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, less than EWM's 3.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	3.74%	3.41%	3.32%	3.47%	3.00%	6.48%	1.89%	2.91%	3.84%	5.58%	5.97%	37.54%
IDX VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF	3.30%	2.08%	4.01%	3.62%	3.64%	1.08%	1.66%	2.21%	2.19%	1.85%	1.16%	2.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDX and EWM in my portfolio?

IDX and EWM have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDX or EWM?

IDX has higher volatility (13.95%) compared to EWM (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDX dropped -63.14% vs EWM's -89.19%.

Which ETF is better, IDX or EWM?

On 10-year performance, EWM leads with 2.50% vs -4.14% for IDX. On fees, EWM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWM has been the lower-risk option at 4.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDX or EWM?

Over the 10-year period, EWM has performed better with a 2.50% return vs -4.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDX or EWM?

EWM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for IDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDX or EWM?

EWM has the higher dividend yield at 3.74%, compared with 3.30% for IDX.

What is the main difference between IDX and EWM?

IDX tracks MVIS Indonesia Index, while EWM tracks MSCI Malaysia Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for IDX and 0.49% for EWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs -0.90), 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.