EFA & EWZ: Tracking and Exposure
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

EFA & EWZ: Tracking and Exposure

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have transformed the investment landscape, offering investors an efficient and diversified way to gain exposure to various sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison between two prominent ETFs: EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) and EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF). We'll explore key aspects such as ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, strategy, tracking methods, and exposure.

EFA & EWZ: Overview

EFA and EWZ are two distinct ETFs that cater to different investment strategies within the global market. While EFA focuses on tracking the performance of developed international markets, EWZ is centered around providing exposure to the Brazilian equity market. The variations in their investment focus lead to varying levels of risk and potential returns, which we will delve into further in the following sections.

EFA & EWZ: Sectors and Top Holdings

The EFA ETF is primarily designed to offer investors exposure to developed countries outside of the United States and Canada. This ETF includes holdings from sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods. On the other hand, EWZ concentrates on Brazilian equities, with top holdings including companies like Vale SA, Itau Unibanco Holding SA, and Petrobras. Understanding the sectors and top holdings of these ETFs is crucial for investors seeking alignment with their investment objectives.

EFA  overlap EFA VS EWZEFA overlap EFA VS EWZ

EFA & EWZ: Capitalization and Strategy

The EFA ETF boasts a substantial asset under management (AUM), indicating its popularity among investors looking for international diversification. EFA's investment strategy revolves around tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, which represents developed markets across Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. In contrast, EWZ focuses on providing exposure to the Brazilian equity market through its portfolio of Brazilian companies. The varying capitalization and investment strategies of EFA and EWZ lead to differing risk and return profiles that investors need to consider.

EFA & EWZ: Tracking and Exposure

EFA tracks the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index by investing in a range of securities from developed international markets. This approach offers investors exposure to the overall performance of established economies, diversifying their portfolios beyond domestic markets. On the other hand, EWZ's tracking method involves investing in Brazilian companies listed on the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. This strategy provides investors with direct exposure to the Brazilian equity market and its inherent opportunities and risks.

Conclusion

EFA and EWZ are unique ETFs that cater to specific investment goals within the global market. Investors seeking international diversification might find EFA's focus on developed international markets appealing, while those interested in the Brazilian equity market might consider EWZ. To gain deeper insights into the holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other crucial aspects of these ETFs, investors can leverage the ETF Insider, an intuitive and user-friendly app that provides comprehensive information about various financial instruments.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not offer investment advisory services. It's important for investors to conduct thorough research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.

Sources:
iShares: https://www.ishares.com/
MSCI: https://www.msci.com/
ETF Insider: [Insert relevant link]

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FAQ

  • Why is EFA better than EWZ?

    EFA may be considered better than EWZ for some investors due to its specific focus, offering diversification.

  • Does EWZ beat EFA?

    EWZ's performance relative to EFA will vary over time, depending on market conditions.

  • Should I invest in EFA or EWZ?

    The choice between EFA and EWZ should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and desired exposure.

  • Are EFA and EWZ good investments?

    Both EFA and EWZ can be suitable investments depending on individual investment strategies, goals, and risk profiles.

  • What is the correlation between EFA and EWZ?

    The correlation between EFA and EWZ can vary over time, reflecting differences in performance.