iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs Nomura Holdings Inc — how do they compare? iShares MSCI Japan ETF trades at $92.04, while Nomura Holdings Inc trades at $9.84 (market cap $29.38B). The key difference: Nomura Holdings Inc pays a 3.23% dividend while iShares MSCI Japan ETF pays none, and Nomura Holdings Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares MSCI Japan ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EWJ | NMR | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Financials |
52-Week High | $96.97 | $10.04 |
52-Week Low | $71.81 | $6.30 |
Market Cap | — | $29.38B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.23% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EWJ, the iShares MSCI Japan ETF, trades at $91.98, down 2.03% on the day. The technical outlook is bullish based on moving averages, with oscillators neutral. Key support lies at $92-$93 and resistance at $94-$95. Recent news highlights Japan's market dynamics, including currency intervention risks and pension fund shifts.
The ETF offers exposure to Japanese equities amid a weakening yen and potential government support. Risks include yen volatility and economic sensitivity. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with technical strength offset by currency and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Nomura Holdings (NMR) trades at $9.85, up 1.03% with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals with a P/E of 13.65, net income margin of 19.66%, and record annual profit in 2025. Recent news highlights expansion in wholesale revenue and strategic acquisitions, including a U.S. fund management push and digital asset subsidiary progress.
Outlook is positive due to valuation discounts versus peers and ROE expansion potential, but risks include earnings misses in recent quarters and rising debt-to-asset ratios. Analysts are mixed with 33% buy ratings, suggesting cautious optimism amid integration costs from acquisitions.
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 →Nomura is Japan's largest broker, about twice the size of rival Daiwa Securities and roughly three times the size of the securities units of the three megabanks. It is also the largest asset-management company in Japan, with a similar size differential compared with its rivals. Despite its topnotch brand name in retail broking and asset management in Japan, Nomura has struggled to compete effectively in the institutional securities business against larger global rivals. In 2008, Nomura bought European and Asian assets of the failed Lehman Brothers, which led to a sharply higher cost base but did not provide commensurate revenue. Nomura has reduced the scale of these businesses but maintains its ambition to compete globally with the top players.
Read more on NMR →