MCHI vs. EWT

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

MCHI (iShares MSCI China ETF) and EWT (iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MCHI is a China Equities fund tracking the MSCI China Index, while EWT is a Taiwan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Taiwan 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MCHI returned 3.79%/yr vs 18.03%/yr for EWT. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

MCHI vs. EWT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI) and iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCHI achieves a -9.37% return, which is significantly lower than EWT's 51.02% return. Over the past 10 years, MCHI has underperformed EWT with an annualized return of 3.79%, while EWT has yielded a comparatively higher 18.03% annualized return.

MCHI

• 1D: 2.13%
• 1M: 2.48%
• 6M: -12.93%
• YTD: -9.37%
• 1Y: -4.08%
• 3Y*: 8.75%
• 5Y*: -5.02%
• 10Y*: 3.79%
• ALL TIME*: 2.28%

EWT

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -12.77%
• 6M: 42.47%
• YTD: 51.02%
• 1Y: 69.39%
• 3Y*: 34.93%
• 5Y*: 16.74%
• 10Y*: 18.03%
• ALL TIME*: 6.98%

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

MCHI vs. EWT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCHI iShares MSCI China ETF	-9.37%	31.04%	17.73%	-11.94%	-23.01%	-21.74%	27.78%	23.72%	-19.79%	54.67%
EWT iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF	51.02%	28.38%	16.11%	29.00%	-28.90%	26.18%	31.50%	33.36%	-9.90%	26.81%

Correlation

The correlation between MCHI and EWT is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2011	0.63

The correlation between MCHI and EWT shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (3 years) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MCHI vs. EWT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCHI	EWT
Consumer Cyclical	22.4%	1.5%
Communication Services	19.3%	1.6%
Financial Services	19.2%	14.0%
Technology	13.9%	72.0%
Industrials	5.4%	3.4%
Healthcare	5.3%	1.3%
Basic Materials	5.1%	4.2%
Energy	3.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	1.1%
Utilities	1.6%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	-

Return for Risk

MCHI vs. EWT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCHI

MCHI Risk / Return Rank: 8
MCHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
MCHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
MCHI Omega Ratio Rank: 8
MCHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
MCHI Martin Ratio Rank: 8

EWT

EWT Risk / Return Rank: 90
EWT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
EWT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
EWT Omega Ratio Rank: 87
EWT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
EWT Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

MCHI vs. EWT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI) and iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT). 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.

	MCHI	EWT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.20	2.39	-2.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.14	2.89	-3.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.40	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.18	4.99	-5.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.38	16.90	-17.28

MCHI vs. EWT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCHI Sharpe Ratio is -0.20, which is lower than the EWT Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCHI and EWT, 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

MCHI vs. EWT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCHI drawdown since its inception was -62.95%, roughly equal to the maximum EWT drawdown of -64.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCHI and EWT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCHI	EWT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.95%	-64.37%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.22%	-13.98%	-9.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.85%	-25.66%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.66%	-38.88%	-14.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.95%	-38.88%	-24.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.20%	-13.98%	-24.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.64%	-19.10%	-5.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.78%	4.12%	+6.66%

Volatility

MCHI vs. EWT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI) is 6.01%, while iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) has a volatility of 12.58%. This indicates that MCHI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCHI	EWT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.01%	12.58%	-6.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.81%	25.90%	-11.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.64%	29.22%	-8.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.73%	23.54%	+7.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.35%	21.97%	+5.38%

MCHI vs. EWT - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MCHI and EWT have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

MCHI vs. EWT - Dividend Comparison

MCHI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.03%, less than EWT's 2.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWT iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF	2.94%	4.43%	3.32%	12.01%	18.82%	0.55%	1.83%	2.49%	3.16%	2.81%	2.39%	3.12%
MCHI iShares MSCI China ETF	2.03%	2.12%	2.31%	2.66%	1.78%	1.04%	1.04%	1.45%	1.60%	1.56%	1.66%	2.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCHI and EWT in my portfolio?

MCHI and EWT have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCHI or EWT?

EWT has higher volatility (12.58%) compared to MCHI (6.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCHI dropped -62.95% vs EWT's -64.37%.

Which ETF is better, MCHI or EWT?

On 10-year performance, EWT leads with 18.03% vs 3.79% for MCHI. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, MCHI has been the lower-risk option at 6.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCHI or EWT?

Over the 10-year period, EWT has performed better with a 18.03% return vs 3.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCHI or EWT?

MCHI and EWT have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MCHI or EWT?

EWT has the higher dividend yield at 2.94%, compared with 2.03% for MCHI.

What is the main difference between MCHI and EWT?

MCHI is categorized as China Equities, while EWT is Taiwan Equities. MCHI tracks MSCI China Index, while EWT tracks MSCI Taiwan 25/50 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs -0.20), 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.