EWJ VS EFA
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

EWJ VS EFA

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a cornerstone of modern finance, providing investors with diversified exposure to various market segments. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into two renowned ETFs: EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF). We'll explore their ticker symbols, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, investment strategies, tracking methods, and exposure.

EWJ VS EFA: Overview

EWJ and EFA are both globally recognized ETFs; however, they offer distinct exposure. EWJ focuses exclusively on the Japanese equity market, providing investors with an opportunity to participate in the growth of Japan's economy. In contrast, EFA offers exposure to developed markets outside of the United States and Canada, including countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia. These differing geographic focuses result in unique risk and return profiles that we will investigate further.

EWJ VS EFA: Sectors and Top Holdings

Diving into the sectors and top holdings of these ETFs provides valuable insights. EWJ predominantly holds Japanese stocks across various sectors, with its top holdings including companies like Toyota Motor Corp, Sony Corp, and SoftBank Group Corp. On the other hand, EFA encompasses a broader range of sectors, including financials, industrials, and consumer discretionary, with top holdings such as Nestlé SA, Roche Holding AG, and Novartis AG. Understanding these sectoral differences can help investors tailor their portfolios to specific industries or regions.

EWJ overlap EWJ VS EFAEWJ overlap EWJ VS EFA

EWJ VS EFA: Capitalization and Strategy

Considering the capitalization and investment strategy of EWJ and EFA is crucial for portfolio construction. EWJ boasts substantial assets under management (AUM) due to its specialization in the Japanese market. Its investment strategy revolves around tracking the performance of the MSCI Japan Index, providing investors with straightforward exposure to Japanese equities. In contrast, EFA, while also having a considerable AUM, pursues a strategy centered on tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, which includes developed markets outside of the United States and Canada. These distinctions impact the risk and potential returns associated with each ETF, demanding careful consideration.

EWJ VS EFA: Tracking and Exposure

The tracking methods and exposure of these ETFs further differentiate them. EWJ closely mirrors the Japanese equity market by holding a diversified portfolio of Japanese stocks. It aims to provide investors with a return that closely corresponds to the performance of the MSCI Japan Index. On the other hand, EFA offers exposure to developed international markets, including Europe, Australasia, and the Far East, by holding a basket of stocks. It endeavors to replicate the returns of the MSCI EAFE Index. Investors seeking specific regional exposure or broader international diversification should carefully assess these tracking and exposure variations.

Conclusion

EWJ and EFA are remarkable ETFs, each catering to a distinct set of investment needs. For those looking to gain deeper insights into their holdings, correlations, overlaps, and various financial instruments, ETF Insider is the ultimate tool to explore. With its user-friendly app, it provides extensive details on these and other financial products.

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

EWJ ETF issuer
EWJ ETF official page

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