KXI vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KXI (iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KXI is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Consumer Staples Index, while EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KXI returned 5.49%/yr vs 9.28%/yr for EWJ. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KXI charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

KXI vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) and iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KXI achieves a 3.05% return, which is significantly lower than EWJ's 16.58% return. Over the past 10 years, KXI has underperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 5.49%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively higher 9.28% annualized return.

KXI

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.73%
• YTD: 3.05%
• 6M: 3.22%
• 1Y: 1.47%
• 3Y*: 5.90%
• 5Y*: 3.70%
• 10Y*: 5.49%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 5.46%
• YTD: 16.58%
• 6M: 16.78%
• 1Y: 32.89%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 8.84%
• 10Y*: 9.28%

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

KXI vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	3.05%	9.68%	4.20%	2.41%	-6.02%	13.71%	7.69%	23.40%	-10.71%	17.60%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	16.58%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between KXI and EWJ is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2006	0.58

Over the past year, the correlation between KXI and EWJ has dropped to 0.27 - well below their long-term average of 0.58, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

KXI vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KXI	EWJ
Consumer Defensive	96.9%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	12.2%
Basic Materials	-	3.0%
Communication Services	-	7.9%
Energy	-	1.1%
Financial Services	-	17.5%
Healthcare	-	6.3%
Industrials	-	26.0%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	19.1%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

KXI vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

KXI

KXI Risk / Return Rank: 11
KXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
KXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
KXI Omega Ratio Rank: 10
KXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
KXI Martin Ratio Rank: 11

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 51
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

KXI vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) 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.

	KXI	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.13	1.70	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.26	2.45	-2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.32	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.14	2.43	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.32	8.23	-7.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KXI vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KXI Sharpe Ratio is 0.13, which is lower than the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KXI and EWJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KXI	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13	1.70	-1.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.49	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.54	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.11	+0.37

Drawdowns

KXI vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KXI drawdown since its inception was -42.27%, smaller than the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KXI and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	KXI	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.27%	-60.93%	+18.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-13.59%	+3.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.92%	-14.68%	+2.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.45%	-33.14%	+15.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.59%	-33.14%	+8.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.43%	0.00%	-9.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-21.74%	+16.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.65%	4.01%	+0.64%

Volatility

KXI vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) is 3.81%, while iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) has a volatility of 4.21%. This indicates that KXI 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.

Volatility by Period

	KXI	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	4.21%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.33%	15.02%	-5.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.78%	19.49%	-7.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	18.23%	-5.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.74%	17.27%	-3.53%

KXI vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

KXI has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

KXI vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

KXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.23%, less than EWJ's 3.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.88%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	2.23%	2.29%	2.51%	2.99%	1.98%	2.26%	2.34%	2.17%	2.97%	2.17%	2.34%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KXI and EWJ in my portfolio?

KXI and EWJ have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KXI or EWJ?

EWJ has higher volatility (4.21%) compared to KXI (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KXI dropped -42.27% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, KXI or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, EWJ leads with 9.28% vs 5.49% for KXI. On fees, KXI is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, KXI has been the lower-risk option at 3.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KXI or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, EWJ has performed better with a 9.28% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KXI or EWJ?

KXI is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KXI or EWJ?

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 2.23% for KXI.

What is the main difference between KXI and EWJ?

KXI is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while EWJ is Japan Equities. KXI tracks S&P Global Consumer Staples Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for KXI and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.13), 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.