VGK vs. IEV
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) and iShares Europe ETF (IEV).
VGK and IEV are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VGK is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the FTSE Developed Europe Index. It was launched on Mar 4, 2005. IEV is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the S&P Europe 350 Index. It was launched on Jul 25, 2000. Both VGK and IEV are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: VGK or IEV.
Key characteristics
| VGK | IEV | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 10.20% | 10.36% |
| 1Y Return | 18.40% | 18.23% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 3.17% | 4.17% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 8.77% | 8.77% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 5.15% | 4.84% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.34 | 1.37 |
| Daily Std Dev | 13.41% | 13.04% |
| Max Drawdown | -63.61% | -63.27% |
| Current Drawdown | -1.88% | -1.91% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGK and IEV is 0.99, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
VGK vs. IEV - Performance Comparison
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VGK having a 10.20% return and IEV slightly higher at 10.36%. Over the past 10 years, VGK has outperformed IEV with an annualized return of 5.15%, while IEV has yielded a comparatively lower 4.84% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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VGK vs. IEV - Expense Ratio Comparison
VGK has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than IEV's 0.59% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
VGK vs. IEV - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) and iShares Europe ETF (IEV). 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.
Dividends
VGK vs. IEV - Dividend Comparison
VGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than IEV's 2.79% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF | 3.05% | 3.15% | 3.25% | 3.05% | 2.11% | 3.27% | 3.95% | 2.70% | 3.52% | 3.25% | 4.62% | 2.77% |
IEV iShares Europe ETF | 2.79% | 2.77% | 3.06% | 2.81% | 1.76% | 3.06% | 3.43% | 2.39% | 3.08% | 2.81% | 3.79% | 2.33% |
Drawdowns
VGK vs. IEV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGK drawdown since its inception was -63.61%, roughly equal to the maximum IEV drawdown of -63.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGK and IEV. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
VGK vs. IEV - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) and iShares Europe ETF (IEV) have volatilities of 4.50% and 4.35%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.