IEUS vs. EWK

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IEUS (iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF) and EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) are both Europe Equities funds from iShares - IEUS tracks the MSCI Europe Small Cap Index while EWK tracks the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEUS returned 9.01%/yr vs 7.65%/yr for EWK. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IEUS charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWK.

Performance

IEUS vs. EWK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) and iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEUS achieves a 3.19% return, which is significantly lower than EWK's 11.87% return. Over the past 10 years, IEUS has outperformed EWK with an annualized return of 9.01%, while EWK has yielded a comparatively lower 7.65% annualized return.

IEUS

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -4.28%
• YTD: 3.19%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 9.76%
• 3Y*: 14.02%
• 5Y*: 2.86%
• 10Y*: 9.01%

EWK

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 11.87%
• 6M: 12.20%
• 1Y: 25.47%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: 7.65%

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

IEUS vs. EWK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEUS iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF	3.19%	32.06%	-1.59%	17.34%	-27.07%	15.06%	12.99%	29.72%	-20.17%	35.04%
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	11.87%	35.38%	0.14%	7.47%	-13.98%	12.84%	0.04%	25.92%	-20.40%	23.70%

Correlation

The correlation between IEUS and EWK is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2007	0.78

The correlation between IEUS and EWK shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (1 year) to 0.80 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IEUS vs. EWK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEUS	EWK
Industrials	26.6%	8.1%
Financial Services	15.0%	16.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	1.8%
Real Estate	8.3%	10.1%
Technology	7.9%	1.7%
Healthcare	7.5%	27.1%
Basic Materials	7.4%	5.1%
Energy	4.8%	1.2%
Communication Services	4.5%	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	24.7%
Utilities	2.3%	2.7%

Return for Risk

IEUS vs. EWK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEUS

IEUS Risk / Return Rank: 19
IEUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Omega Ratio Rank: 18
IEUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
IEUS Martin Ratio Rank: 22

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 49
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 55
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

IEUS vs. EWK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) and iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK). 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.

	IEUS	EWK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.61	1.65	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	2.34	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.31	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	1.65	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.57	5.91	-3.34

IEUS vs. EWK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEUS Sharpe Ratio is 0.61, which is lower than the EWK Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEUS and EWK, 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

IEUS vs. EWK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEUS drawdown since its inception was -63.09%, smaller than the maximum EWK drawdown of -74.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEUS and EWK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEUS	EWK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.09%	-74.10%	+11.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-15.47%	+2.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.05%	-15.64%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.86%	-33.24%	-11.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.86%	-42.80%	-2.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.28%	-1.78%	-2.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.49%	-21.50%	+6.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.80%	4.32%	-0.52%

Volatility

IEUS vs. EWK - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) has a higher volatility of 4.84% compared to iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) at 4.17%. This indicates that IEUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEUS	EWK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	4.17%	+0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	13.16%	+0.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	15.52%	+0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	17.88%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	18.85%	+1.24%

IEUS vs. EWK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEUS has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than EWK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEUS vs. EWK - Dividend Comparison

IEUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than EWK's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.83%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
IEUS iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF	3.25%	3.19%	3.25%	2.97%	3.00%	2.63%	1.21%	4.03%	3.21%	2.13%	2.48%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEUS and EWK in my portfolio?

IEUS and EWK have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IEUS or EWK?

IEUS has higher volatility (4.84%) compared to EWK (4.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEUS dropped -63.09% vs EWK's -74.10%.

Which ETF is better, IEUS or EWK?

On 10-year performance, IEUS leads with 9.01% vs 7.65% for EWK. On fees, IEUS is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, EWK has been the lower-risk option at 4.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEUS or EWK?

Over the 10-year period, IEUS has performed better with a 9.01% return vs 7.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEUS or EWK?

IEUS is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IEUS or EWK?

IEUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 1.83% for EWK.

What is the main difference between IEUS and EWK?

IEUS tracks MSCI Europe Small Cap Index, while EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IEUS and 0.49% for EWK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 0.61), 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.