LEGR vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

LEGR (First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LEGR is a Blockchain fund tracking the Indxx Blockchain Index, while EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LEGR returned 11.61%/yr vs 8.56%/yr for EWJ. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LEGR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

LEGR vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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, LEGR achieves a 11.18% return, which is significantly lower than EWJ's 14.83% return.

LEGR

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 28.16%
• 3Y*: 22.32%
• 5Y*: 11.61%
• 10Y*: —

EWJ

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 14.50%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 8.56%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

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

LEGR vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
LEGR First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF	11.18%	30.83%	16.25%	22.79%	-19.01%	17.91%	18.73%	27.99%	-14.65%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	14.83%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-20.20%

Correlation

The correlation between LEGR and EWJ is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2018	0.71

The correlation between LEGR and EWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

LEGR vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LEGR	EWJ
Financial Services	39.8%	17.0%
Technology	31.8%	21.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	11.9%
Communication Services	8.3%	8.9%
Industrials	5.7%	24.5%
Utilities	1.9%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.7%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	3.3%
Healthcare	0.8%	5.6%
Energy	0.7%	0.9%
Real Estate	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

LEGR vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

LEGR

LEGR Risk / Return Rank: 63
LEGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
LEGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
LEGR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
LEGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
LEGR Martin Ratio Rank: 61

EWJ

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

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.

LEGR vs. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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.

	LEGR	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.52	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.21	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.28	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.27	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	7.62	+2.10

LEGR vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LEGR Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LEGR 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.

Drawdowns

LEGR vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LEGR drawdown since its inception was -36.12%, smaller than the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LEGR and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	LEGR	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.12%	-60.93%	+24.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.40%	-13.59%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-14.68%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.45%	-33.14%	+1.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.56%	-1.51%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-21.72%	+15.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	4.04%	-1.22%

Volatility

LEGR vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) is 5.87%, while iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) has a volatility of 6.31%. This indicates that LEGR 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

	LEGR	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	6.31%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	15.96%	-3.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.34%	20.23%	-5.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	18.38%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.33%	17.33%	+3.00%

LEGR vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

LEGR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

LEGR vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

LEGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, less than EWJ's 3.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.94%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%
LEGR First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF	1.68%	1.84%	2.40%	2.56%	2.64%	1.80%	0.95%	2.04%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LEGR and EWJ in my portfolio?

LEGR and EWJ have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LEGR or EWJ?

EWJ has higher volatility (6.31%) compared to LEGR (5.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LEGR dropped -36.12% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, LEGR or EWJ?

On 5-year performance, LEGR leads with 11.61% vs 8.56% for EWJ. On fees, EWJ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, LEGR has been the lower-risk option at 5.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LEGR or EWJ?

Over the 5-year period, LEGR has performed better with a 11.61% return vs 8.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LEGR or EWJ?

EWJ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for LEGR.

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

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.94%, compared with 1.68% for LEGR.

What is the main difference between LEGR and EWJ?

LEGR is categorized as Blockchain, while EWJ is Japan Equities. LEGR tracks Indxx Blockchain Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for LEGR and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LEGR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.52), 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.