EEM vs EWT
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.72%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.12%. Launched in 2003, the fund has a 23-year track record.
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to taiwan equity securities. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.59%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.93%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
EWT is significantly cheaper at 0.59% vs 0.72% expense ratio, saving you approximately $246 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, EWT has significantly outperformed with a 48.8% return vs 30.5%. Income investors may prefer EWT for its higher yield (3.9% vs 2.1%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
3 of top 10 holdings overlap (30% overlap in top holdings)
EEM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 13.38% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 5.37% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.82% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 3.17% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.55% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.95% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 0.88% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.87% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.82% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.75% |
EWT Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 21.22% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 4.95% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 3.99% |
| MediaTek Inc.!tpe/2454 | 3.93% |
| ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd.!tpe/3711 | 2.37% |
| Elite Material Co., Ltd.!tpe/2383 | 2.19% |
| Accton Technology Corporation!tpe/2345 | 2.13% |
| Unimicron Technology Corp.!tpe/3037 | 1.88% |
| Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.!tpe/3017 | 1.82% |
| CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd.!tpe/2891 | 1.79% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose EWT if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EWT if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose EWT if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.