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

SPY VS EWJ

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have transformed the landscape of investing, providing diversified exposure to a wide range of sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of two prominent ETFs: SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF). Through a comprehensive exploration, we will cover various aspects such as ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, strategy, tracking, and exposure.

SPY vs EWJ: Overview

SPY and EWJ are two ETFs that offer distinct investment opportunities in separate geographic regions. While SPY focuses on tracking the performance of the S&P 500 index, EWJ provides exposure to the Japanese equity market through its holdings. This divergence in focus leads to varying risk and return profiles, a distinction we will dissect further in the subsequent sections.

SPY vs EWJ: Sectors and Top Holdings

The SPY ETF encompasses a broad spectrum of sectors represented in the S&P 500 index, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more. Its top holdings feature well-known companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. In contrast, EWJ concentrates on Japanese equities across sectors like industrials, consumer goods, and technology, with key holdings such as Toyota, Sony, and SoftBank. Evaluating the sectors and top holdings can guide investors in aligning their preferences with the suitable ETF.

SPY  overlap SPY VS EWJSPY overlap SPY VS EWJ

SPY vs EWJ: Capitalization and Strategy

SPY boasts a substantial Asset Under Management (AUM) due to its popularity among investors seeking exposure to the broad US stock market. The ETF's strategy centers on mirroring the S&P 500 index's performance, which represents a benchmark for US large-cap equities. On the other hand, EWJ's strategy involves tracking the MSCI Japan index, aiming to capture the performance of Japanese companies. The contrast in capitalization and strategy between the two ETFs introduces varying risk-return trade-offs for potential investors.

SPY vs EWJ: Tracking and Exposure

SPY achieves its objective of replicating the S&P 500 index's returns by holding a portfolio of stocks that closely mirrors the index's composition. Conversely, EWJ utilizes a similar approach, assembling a portfolio of Japanese equities to emulate the MSCI Japan index's performance. Understanding these tracking methodologies is essential for investors looking to align their portfolios with the specific characteristics of these ETFs.

Conclusion

SPY and EWJ stand as distinctive ETFs, each catering to unique investment preferences. For those who desire comprehensive insights into holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other critical aspects, the ETF Insider proves to be an indispensable tool. This user-friendly app offers a wealth of information about various financial instruments, empowering investors to make well-informed decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide investment advisory services.

Sources:

SPY https://www.ssga.com/ SPY ETF issuer
https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/funds/spdr-sp-500-etf-trust-spy SPY ETF official page

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FAQ

  • Why is SPY better than EWJ?

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

  • Does EWJ beat SPY?

    EWJ's performance relative to SPY will vary over time, depending on market conditions.

  • Should I invest in SPY or EWJ?

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

  • Are SPY and EWJ good investments?

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

  • What is the correlation between SPY and EWJ?

    The correlation between SPY and EWJ can vary over time, reflecting differences in performance.