EWJ vs HEWJ
iShares MSCI Japan ETF compared with iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EWJ
iShares MSCI Japan ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
HEWJ
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
Quick take
- HEWJ yields more today: 1.08% vs 1.06% (forward).
- HEWJ has grown its payout faster: 9.0%/yr vs -8.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay twice a year.
- Over the last year HEWJ delivered the higher total return: +32.4% vs +17.9% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EWJ | HEWJ |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $94.10 | $64.61 |
| TTM yield | 0.53% | 0.98% |
| Forward yield | 1.06% | 1.08% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.002 | $0.698 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Semi-annual |
| Next ex-date | Dec 16, 2026 (est.) | Dec 31, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.49% | 0.49% |
| 1-year payout growth | -69.7% | -41.2% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | -8.1% | +9.0% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 54/100 | 52/100 |
| 1-year total return | +17.9% | +32.4% |
| 1-year price return | +17.3% | +31.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 23.5B | 653.1M |
| Years paying | 29.2 | 12.3 |
| Sector / category | Japan Stock | Japan Stock |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| EWJ | HEWJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 106.3 | 154.8 |
| Income per year | $106 | $108 |
| Income per month (avg) | $9 | $9 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EWJ · Model HEWJ
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EWJ Dec 16, 2026 | Dec 30, 2026 | $0.501 | Est. |
| EWJ Jun 18, 2027 | Jul 2, 2027 | $0.501 | Est. |
| HEWJ Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 14, 2027 | $0.349 | Est. |
| HEWJ Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $0.349 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EWJHEWJ
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, EWJ or HEWJ?
HEWJ currently has the higher trailing yield: EWJ yields 0.53% and HEWJ yields 0.98%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EWJ and HEWJ pay?
EWJ pays twice a year and HEWJ pays twice a year. EWJ's next ex-date is Dec 16, 2026 and HEWJ's is Dec 31, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EWJ or HEWJ?
HEWJ has grown its payout faster: 9.0%/yr vs -8.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is EWJ or HEWJ better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EWJ and HEWJ differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.