JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ
JPYUSD=X (JPY/USD) is a currency, while EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) is Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Over the past 10 years, JPYUSD=X returned -4.27%/yr vs 9.08%/yr for EWJ. Their -0.09 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past.
Performance
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, JPYUSD=X achieves a -0.51% return, which is significantly lower than EWJ's 17.82% return. Over the past 10 years, JPYUSD=X has underperformed EWJ with an annualized return of -4.27%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively higher 9.08% annualized return.
JPYUSD=X
- 1D
- -0.17%
- 1M
- 2.72%
- 6M
- -1.07%
- YTD
- -0.51%
- 1Y
- -6.57%
- 3Y*
- -3.45%
- 5Y*
- -6.97%
- 10Y*
- -4.27%
- ALL TIME*
- -1.65%
EWJ
- 1D
- 1.83%
- 1M
- 1.58%
- 6M
- 9.74%
- YTD
- 17.82%
- 1Y
- 31.07%
- 3Y*
- 18.66%
- 5Y*
- 9.41%
- 10Y*
- 9.08%
- ALL TIME*
- 2.68%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $398.96M | $430.07M | $517.76M | |
JPYUSD=X JPY/USD | $763.15 | $670.97 | $589.12 |
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JPYUSD=X JPY/USD | -0.51% | 0.33% | -10.26% | -7.04% | -12.23% | -10.24% | 5.18% | 0.86% | 2.82% | 3.91% |
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF | 17.82% | 25.84% | 7.03% | 20.29% | -17.72% | 1.16% | 15.40% | 19.34% | -14.10% | 24.27% |
Correlation
The correlation between JPYUSD=X and EWJ is 0.32, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.32 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.23 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.25 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.10 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2007 | -0.09 |
The correlation between JPYUSD=X and EWJ shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (all time) to 0.32 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank
JPYUSD=X
EWJ
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPY/USD (JPYUSD=X) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). 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.
| JPYUSD=X | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -2.21 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -3.20 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.88 | 1.28 | -0.40 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.50 | 2.30 | -2.80 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.81 | 7.35 | -8.16 |
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Drawdowns
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum JPYUSD=X drawdown since its inception was -53.57%, smaller than the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JPYUSD=X and EWJ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| JPYUSD=X | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -53.57% | -60.93% | +7.36% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.61% | -13.59% | +2.98% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.18% | -14.68% | +0.50% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -33.35% | -33.14% | -0.21% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.01% | -33.14% | -5.87% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -51.69% | -2.43% | -49.26% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -27.37% | -21.64% | -5.73% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.93% | 4.24% | +0.69% |
Volatility
JPYUSD=X vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for JPY/USD (JPYUSD=X) is 2.97%, while iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) has a volatility of 7.54%. This indicates that JPYUSD=X experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| JPYUSD=X | EWJ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.97% | 7.54% | -4.57% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.07% | 17.79% | -12.72% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 7.34% | 21.02% | -13.68% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 9.60% | 18.70% | -9.10% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 8.65% | 17.45% | -8.80% |
Frequently Asked Questions
JPYUSD=X and EWJ have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
EWJ has higher volatility (7.54%) compared to JPYUSD=X (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JPYUSD=X dropped -53.57% vs EWJ's -60.93%.
EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs -0.73), 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.
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