IXN vs. HEWJ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) and HEWJ (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXN is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index, while HEWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXN returned 25.03%/yr vs 16.75%/yr for HEWJ. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXN charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for HEWJ.

Performance

IXN vs. HEWJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXN achieves a 33.08% return, which is significantly higher than HEWJ's 19.23% return. Over the past 10 years, IXN has outperformed HEWJ with an annualized return of 25.03%, while HEWJ has yielded a comparatively lower 16.75% annualized return.

IXN

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 33.08%
• 6M: 35.17%
• 1Y: 60.27%
• 3Y*: 32.38%
• 5Y*: 21.51%
• 10Y*: 25.03%

HEWJ

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 19.23%
• 6M: 19.96%
• 1Y: 51.07%
• 3Y*: 27.23%
• 5Y*: 21.19%
• 10Y*: 16.75%

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

IXN vs. HEWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	33.08%	25.25%	24.84%	52.98%	-29.86%	29.58%	43.62%	47.88%	-5.44%	41.23%
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	19.23%	30.25%	24.80%	36.21%	-4.39%	12.79%	10.29%	20.79%	-14.68%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IXN and HEWJ is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
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	0.61

The correlation between IXN and HEWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXN vs. HEWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXN	HEWJ
Technology	99.3%	19.1%
Industrials	0.2%	26.0%
Energy	0.1%	1.1%
Healthcare	0.1%	6.2%
Real Estate	0.0%	2.3%
Basic Materials	-	3.0%
Communication Services	-	7.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.6%
Financial Services	-	17.6%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

IXN vs. HEWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXN

IXN Risk / Return Rank: 84
IXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IXN Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

HEWJ

HEWJ Risk / Return Rank: 90
HEWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
HEWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
HEWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 88
HEWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
HEWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

IXN vs. HEWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ). 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.

	IXN	HEWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	2.67	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.62	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.48	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	4.95	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.35	19.13	-4.78

IXN vs. HEWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXN Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is comparable to the HEWJ Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXN and HEWJ, 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

IXN vs. HEWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXN drawdown since its inception was -55.67%, which is greater than HEWJ's maximum drawdown of -31.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXN and HEWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXN	HEWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.67%	-31.53%	-24.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.80%	-10.37%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.55%	-20.90%	-4.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	-20.90%	-15.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.30%	-31.53%	-4.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.68%	-1.27%	-5.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.26%	-6.60%	-4.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	2.68%	+1.53%

Volatility

IXN vs. HEWJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) has a higher volatility of 12.01% compared to iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) at 5.95%. This indicates that IXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HEWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXN	HEWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	5.95%	+6.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.45%	14.54%	+5.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	19.25%	+4.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.19%	19.16%	+6.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	19.67%	+4.91%

IXN vs. HEWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXN has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than HEWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXN vs. HEWJ - Dividend Comparison

IXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than HEWJ's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEWJ iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF	4.28%	5.10%	2.20%	2.02%	47.68%	2.03%	1.20%	2.78%	1.37%	1.21%	1.88%	3.25%
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	0.78%	1.04%	0.43%	0.55%	0.81%	0.58%	0.63%	1.06%	0.94%	0.93%	1.03%	1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXN and HEWJ in my portfolio?

IXN and HEWJ have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXN or HEWJ?

IXN has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to HEWJ (5.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXN dropped -55.67% vs HEWJ's -31.53%.

Which ETF is better, IXN or HEWJ?

On 10-year performance, IXN leads with 25.03% vs 16.75% for HEWJ. On fees, IXN is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, HEWJ has been the lower-risk option at 5.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXN or HEWJ?

Over the 10-year period, IXN has performed better with a 25.03% return vs 16.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXN or HEWJ?

IXN is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for HEWJ.

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

HEWJ has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 0.78% for IXN.

What is the main difference between IXN and HEWJ?

IXN is categorized as Technology Equities, while HEWJ is Japan Equities. IXN tracks S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index, while HEWJ tracks MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IXN and 0.49% for HEWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 2.52), 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.