VEA vs. HAWX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and HAWX (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index while HAWX tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA 100% Hedged to USD. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 11.09%/yr vs 12.59%/yr for HAWX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for HAWX.

Performance

VEA vs. HAWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEA achieves a 14.71% return, which is significantly lower than HAWX's 17.15% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has underperformed HAWX with an annualized return of 11.09%, while HAWX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.59% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 6M: 14.32%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

HAWX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 1.78%
• YTD: 17.15%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 36.02%
• 3Y*: 21.90%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 12.59%

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

VEA vs. HAWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.71%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
HAWX iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	17.15%	26.24%	14.88%	17.05%	-8.59%	13.40%	6.92%	22.75%	-9.77%	19.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and HAWX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2015	0.81

The correlation between VEA and HAWX shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (all time) to 0.91 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VEA vs. HAWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	HAWX
Financial Services	22.3%	23.2%
Industrials	17.5%	14.2%
Technology	16.6%	22.5%
Healthcare	7.6%	6.8%
Basic Materials	7.5%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	4.8%
Energy	4.7%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.2%	4.9%
Utilities	3.0%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.5%	1.4%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. HAWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

HAWX

HAWX Risk / Return Rank: 86
HAWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
HAWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
HAWX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
HAWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
HAWX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

VEA vs. HAWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX). 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.

	VEA	HAWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.54	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	3.36	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.48	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	3.85	-1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.30	15.83	-5.53

VEA vs. HAWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the HAWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA and HAWX, 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

VEA vs. HAWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, which is greater than HAWX's maximum drawdown of -30.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and HAWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	HAWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-30.63%	-30.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-9.39%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-13.30%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-17.47%	-12.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-30.63%	-5.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-2.10%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.25%	-4.27%	-8.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	2.28%	+0.74%

Volatility

VEA vs. HAWX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a higher volatility of 6.94% compared to iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (HAWX) at 6.52%. This indicates that VEA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HAWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	HAWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.94%	6.52%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.77%	12.61%	+2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	14.26%	+2.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.77%	13.60%	+3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	15.27%	+1.93%

VEA vs. HAWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than HAWX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. HAWX - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%, more than HAWX's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HAWX iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF	2.39%	2.80%	3.31%	2.95%	16.94%	2.63%	2.00%	3.23%	2.51%	2.40%	2.49%	3.86%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.55%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEA and HAWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VEA and HAWX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VEA or HAWX?

VEA has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to HAWX (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs HAWX's -30.63%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or HAWX?

On 10-year performance, HAWX leads with 12.59% vs 11.09% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, HAWX has been the lower-risk option at 6.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or HAWX?

Over the 10-year period, HAWX has performed better with a 12.59% return vs 11.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or HAWX?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for HAWX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEA or HAWX?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 2.39% for HAWX.

What is the main difference between VEA and HAWX?

VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while HAWX tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA 100% Hedged to USD. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.35% for HAWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HAWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 1.86), 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.