EWJ VS DBJP: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

EWJ VS DBJP: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have transformed the landscape of investment, providing diversified exposure to various sectors and asset classes. In this article, we present an in-depth comparison between two prominent ETFs: EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) and DBJP (Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF). Our analysis covers key aspects including ticker symbols, full fund names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, investment strategy, tracking methods, and exposure characteristics.

EWJ VS DBJP: Overview

The EWJ and DBJP ETFs both focus on providing investors with exposure to the Japanese equity market, but they approach this goal with distinct strategies. While EWJ tracks the MSCI Japan Index without currency hedging, DBJP seeks to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations by hedging its exposure to the Japanese yen. This essential difference shapes the risk and return profiles of these two ETFs.

EWJ VS DBJP: Sectors and Top Holdings

The composition of sectors and top holdings within EWJ and DBJP reveals their divergent investment philosophies. EWJ's portfolio is designed to reflect the overall Japanese equity market, with holdings spanning industries such as Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials. In contrast, DBJP's currency-hedged approach results in a portfolio focused on sectors that align with its hedging strategy, possibly leading to differing sector weightings and individual stock exposures.

EWJ overlap EWJ VS DBJP: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFsEWJ overlap EWJ VS DBJP: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs

EWJ VS DBJP: Capitalization and Investment Strategy

EWJ boasts a substantial asset under management (AUM), indicative of its popularity among investors seeking exposure to Japanese equities. DBJP's strategy, influenced by its currency-hedged approach, aims to reduce the impact of yen fluctuations on the ETF's performance. Understanding the capitalization and strategy distinctions between EWJ and DBJP is crucial for investors to gauge potential returns and risk factors.

EWJ VS DBJP: Tracking Methods and Exposure

EWJ seeks to mirror the performance of the MSCI Japan Index, allowing investors to gain unfiltered exposure to the Japanese equity market. DBJP, on the other hand, incorporates a currency-hedging mechanism, which can dampen the effects of yen appreciation or depreciation against the U.S. dollar. This distinction in tracking methods impacts the ETFs' response to currency movements and overall market trends.

Conclusion

In the world of ETFs, nuanced differences in investment strategies and approaches can significantly impact portfolio outcomes. EWJ and DBJP exemplify how even within the same market, variations in currency exposure and hedging practices can result in contrasting risk and return profiles. For those keen on exploring the holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other insights within these ETFs, ETF Insider emerges as an invaluable tool. Through its user-friendly app, ETF Insider offers comprehensive insights into these and other financial instruments.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide any investment advisory services.

Sources:

iShares: iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)
Xtrackers: Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DBJP)

EWJ ETF issuer
EWJ ETF official page

EWJ quote and analysis

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