iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs iShares MSCI South Korea ETF — how do they compare? iShares MSCI Japan ETF trades at $97.73, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF trades at $175.08. The key difference: iShares MSCI Japan ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares MSCI South Korea ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EWJ | EWY | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Broad Market / Factor |
52-Week High | $96.97 | $219.20 |
52-Week Low | $77.93 | $71.22 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EWJ, the iShares MSCI Japan ETF, trades at $97.68, up 1.7% on the day, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages. The ETF's performance is influenced by Japan's economic policies, including recent U.S.-Japan yen intervention and domestic stimulus efforts. Key support sits at $96, while resistance is at $97, with the RSI indicating potential overbought conditions.
Outlook remains tied to Japan's economic reforms and currency stability, offering exposure to Japanese equities but with risks from yen volatility and inflation. Investor sentiment is cautious amid BOJ policy uncertainty, though institutional interest persists for diversification benefits.
EWY trades at $175.21, up 7.41% over the past 24 hours, showing strong momentum amid volatile South Korean market conditions. The ETF exhibits mixed technical signals with bullish moving averages but neutral oscillators, while support and resistance levels indicate potential consolidation between $166 and $172. Recent news highlights significant volatility in South Korean equities driven by AI and semiconductor sector turbulence, with foreign investors rotating capital away from Asian markets.
The outlook remains cautious as EWY faces headwinds from concentrated exposure to South Korea's volatile semiconductor sector, though government support initiatives and Goldman Sachs' bullish 90% upside projection offer potential catalysts. Key risks include continued foreign capital outflows, leveraged ETF speculation concerns, and dependence on AI-driven market swings that have caused recent sharp declines in major holdings like Samsung and SK Hynix.
Trailing returns across standard periods
EWJ tracks the MSCI Japan Index, providing broad exposure to over 180 large and mid-cap companies in Japan. It is the most established and liquid vehicle for accessing the Japanese equity market, featuring a diversified portfolio across industrials, consumer discretionary, and financial sectors.
Read more on EWJ →EWY tracks the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, offering targeted exposure to large and mid-cap companies in South Korea. It is structurally centered on the global technology supply chain, industrials, and financial services, serving as a liquid tool for investors seeking a single-country view of this advanced, innovation-led economy.
Read more on EWY →