EWJ vs VEA
iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-10
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares 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 4.14%. Launched in 1996, the fund has a 30-year track record.
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.78%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEA is significantly cheaper at 0.03% vs 0.49% expense ratio, saving you approximately $900 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. VEA has edged ahead over the past year (40.6% vs 37.0%). Income investors may prefer EWJ for its higher yield (4.1% vs 2.8%).
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
1 of top 9 holdings overlap (11% overlap in top holdings)
EWJ Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 4.13% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 4.07% |
| Hitachi, Ltd.!tyo/6501 | 2.86% |
| Sony Group Corporation!tyo/6758 | 2.65% |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8316 | 2.62% |
| Advantest Corporation!tyo/6857 | 2.45% |
| Tokyo Electron Limited!tyo/8035 | 2.41% |
| Mitsubishi Corporation!tyo/8058 | 2.23% |
| Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8411 | 2.20% |
| Mitsui & Co., Ltd.!tyo/8031 | 2.00% |
VEA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.18% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.77% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.24% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 1.03% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.00% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.99% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.98% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.86% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.80% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEA if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose VEA 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.