EWJ vs EWY
iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs iShares MSCI South Korea ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to japan equity securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.49%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.22%. Launched in 1996, the fund has a 30-year track record.
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to south korea equity securities. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.59%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.61%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
EWJ is significantly cheaper at 0.49% vs 0.59% expense ratio, saving you approximately $191 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, EWY has significantly outperformed with a 130.1% return vs 26.8%. Income investors may prefer EWJ for its higher yield (4.2% vs 1.6%).
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
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
EWJ Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 4.27% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 4.05% |
| Hitachi, Ltd.!tyo/6501 | 2.86% |
| Sony Group Corporation!tyo/6758 | 2.61% |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8316 | 2.54% |
| Mitsubishi Corporation!tyo/8058 | 2.46% |
| Tokyo Electron Limited!tyo/8035 | 2.33% |
| Advantest Corporation!tyo/6857 | 2.23% |
| Mitsui & Co., Ltd.!tyo/8031 | 2.14% |
| Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8411 | 2.10% |
EWY Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 22.19% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 19.82% |
| Hyundai Motor Company!krx/005380 | 2.73% |
| KB Financial Group Inc.!krx/105560 | 2.30% |
| SK Square Co., Ltd.!krx/402340 | 2.19% |
| Hanwha Aerospace Co., Ltd.!krx/012450 | 1.88% |
| Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd.!krx/034020 | 1.83% |
| Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.!krx/055550 | 1.69% |
| Kia Corporation!krx/000270 | 1.53% |
| Celltrion, Inc.!krx/068270 | 1.37% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose EWJ if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EWY if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose EWJ if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.