Is EWJ currency hedged?
5 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

Is EWJ currency hedged?

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have gained popularity as a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in various financial instruments. In this article, we will focus on one specific ETF, namely EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF), and address frequently asked questions regarding its currency hedging strategy.

EWJ Hedging

Currency hedging is a technique used by investors to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on their investments. When it comes to EWJ, it is essential to understand its approach to currency hedging.

EWJ is not a currency-hedged ETF. This means that it does not actively engage in hedging strategies to offset the effect of currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. Therefore, when investing in EWJ, investors are exposed to both the performance of the underlying Japanese stocks and any currency movements between the two currencies.

To get a deeper understanding of currency hedging and its implications, you can refer to the resources provided by reputable financial institutions. Vanguard, a prominent investment management company, offers a comprehensive guide on currency hedging. Additionally, BlackRock, the parent company of iShares, provides insights into currency hedging in their educational resources.

EWJ : Dividend Yield

Dividend yield is an important metric for income-focused investors. If you are considering EWJ as an investment option, understanding its dividend yield can be crucial.

EWJ, as an equity ETF, invests in a portfolio of Japanese stocks. The dividend yield of EWJ is influenced by the dividend payments made by the underlying companies in the portfolio. It is important to note that the dividend yield of EWJ can vary over time based on the performance and dividend policies of the Japanese companies it holds.

For a detailed analysis of dividend yield and its significance in ETF investing, you can explore resources from authorITAtive sources. Seeking Alpha, a popular financial website, provides articles and insights on dividend investing.
Additionally, the official website of the Tokyo Stock Exchange offers information on dividends and corporate actions in Japan's stock market.

EWJ overlap Is EWJ currency hedged?EWJ overlap Is EWJ currency hedged?

EWJ : Gold Exposure

Investors often seek exposure to gold as a means of diversification or as a hedge against inflation. If you are interested in EWJ, you may wonder if it provides any exposure to gold.

EWJ primarily focuses on investing in Japanese equities and does not include direct exposure to gold. Its performance is tied to the Japanese stock market and the companies represented in its portfolio. Therefore, if you are specifically looking for gold exposure, EWJ may not be the most suitable option.

To learn more about investing in gold and its role in portfolios, you can refer to reputable sources. The World Gold Council, an authority on gold investment, offers valuable insights and research .

In conclusion, EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) does not implement a currency hedging strategy. Investors who choose to invest in EWJ are exposed to both the performance of Japanese stocks and any fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. It's important for investors to be aware of this currency risk and carefully consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance when including EWJ in their portfolios.

Additionally, EWJ's dividend yield is influenced by the dividend payments made by the underlying Japanese companies in its portfolio. Investors interested in dividend-focused strategies should closely monitor the dividend policies and performance of these companies to assess the potential yield from their investments in EWJ.

Lastly, it's important to note that EWJ does not provide exposure to gold. Investors seeking gold exposure as a means of diversification or as a hedge against inflation may need to explore other investment options beyond EWJ.

As with any investment, conducting thorough research and consulting with a financial advisor are essential steps to make informed investment decisions that align with individual financial goals and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. We are not providing any investment advisory services.

Source 1: EWJ issuer website Source 2: Reuters article about EWJ

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FAQ

  • Is EWJ currency hedged?

    EWJ, or the iShares MSCI Japan ETF, offers both currency-hedged and non-currency-hedged versions. The currency-hedged version aims to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations between the Japanese yen and the investor's domestic currency.

  • What is EWJ?

    EWJ is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to Japanese equities. It aims to track the performance of the MSCI Japan Index, which represents a broad range of large and mid-cap companies in Japan.

  • Does EWJ pay dividends?

    Yes, EWJ pays dividends. As an ETF focused on Japanese equities, it collects dividend payments from the underlying stocks held in its portfolio and distributes a portion of those payments to investors as dividends.

  • What index does EWJ track?

    EWJ tracks the performance of the MSCI Japan Index. This index is designed to reflect the performance of the Japanese equity market by including companies from various sectors in Japan.

  • Can I use EWJ to gain exposure to specific sectors in Japan?

    EWJ provides exposure to a broad range of companies in Japan across various sectors. While it offers diversification within the Japanese market, it does not allow investors to specifically target exposure to specific sectors. If you seek sector-specific exposure in Japan, you may consider alternative investment options, such as sector-specific ETFs or mutual funds focused on Japanese sectors.