iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT): Complete Beginner's Guide
Last updated: March 2026 • BlackRock • Taiwan Equity
Expense Ratio
0.59%
AUM
$5.0B
Dividend Yield
2.50%
Inception
2000
Beginner Score
8/10
What is iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF?
EWT provides exposure to Taiwanese companies with an enormous concentration in semiconductor manufacturing, led by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC). Taiwan is the world's most important hub for advanced chip fabrication, making this fund a semiconductor-heavy play. It suits investors who want exposure to Taiwan's critical role in the global technology supply chain.
EWT is managed by BlackRock and has been available since 2000. With $5.0B in assets under management, it's a growing fund that has attracted significant investor interest. The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.59%, which means for every $10,000 you invest, you pay approximately $59 per year in management fees.
EWT at a Glance — Key Metrics
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% |
| Total Holdings | 95 |
| P/E Ratio | 15.5 |
| Beta | 1.05 |
| Dividend Yield | 2.50% |
| AUM | $5.0B |
| Inception Year | 2000 |
| Issuer | BlackRock |
Top 10 Holdings in EWT
EWT holds 95 different securities. Here are the largest positions that make up the core of this fund:
| # | Company | Ticker | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) | 2330.TW | 25.00% |
| 2 | Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn) | 2317.TW | 5.00% |
| 3 | MediaTek Inc. | 2454.TW | 4.00% |
| 4 | Delta Electronics | 2308.TW | 3.00% |
| 5 | Cathay Financial Holdings | 2882.TW | 2.00% |
| 6 | Fubon Financial Holdings | 2881.TW | 2.00% |
| 7 | United Microelectronics | 2303.TW | 1.80% |
| 8 | ASE Technology Holding | 3711.TW | 1.50% |
| 9 | Chunghwa Telecom | 2412.TW | 1.50% |
| 10 | CTBC Financial Holdings | 2891.TW | 1.40% |
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EWT Performance History
Here's how EWT has performed over different time periods. Remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but it gives you a sense of the fund's track record:
YTD
5.00%
1 Year
15.00%
3 Year
6.00%
5 Year
12.00%
10 Year
10.00%
Beginner Suitability Score: 8/10
Our proprietary Beginner Suitability Score evaluates ETFs based on five factors that matter most to new investors: fees, volatility, diversification, dividend history, and track record length.
EWT scores 8/10 because it has very low fees, can be more volatile than the broader market, focuses on 95 selected holdings, and has been available since 2000, giving it a proven track record.
How to Buy EWT — Step by Step
- Open a brokerage account — We recommend Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard for ETF investing. All offer $0 commissions on ETF trades.
- Fund your account — Transfer money from your bank. You can start with as little as $1 if your broker offers fractional shares.
- Search for "EWT" — Use the search bar in your brokerage platform to find iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF.
- Place your order — Choose "Market Order" for simplicity or "Limit Order" if you want to set a specific price. Enter how many shares (or dollar amount) you want to buy.
- Set up automatic investing — Most brokers let you schedule recurring purchases (e.g., $100/month on the 1st). This is dollar cost averaging in action.
Dollar Cost Averaging Into EWT
Here's what consistent monthly investing could look like over time, assuming an average annual return of 8% (approximate historical stock market average):
| Monthly | 10 Years | 20 Years | 30 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100/mo | $18,417 | $59,295 | $150,030 |
| $250/mo | $46,041 | $148,237 | $375,074 |
| $500/mo | $92,083 | $296,474 | $750,148 |
*Projections assume 8% average annual return with monthly compounding. Actual returns will vary. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Fee impact: With EWT's expense ratio of 0.59%, a $10,000 investment would lose approximately $4,837 to fees over 20 years compared to a zero-fee investment. This is significant — consider whether the fund's strategy justifies these costs.
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Pros and Cons of EWT
Pros
- ✓Unmatched exposure to TSMC, the world's most important semiconductor manufacturer
- ✓Taiwan's dominant position in global chip fabrication provides structural growth
- ✓Solid dividend yield for a technology-heavy country ETF
- ✓Strong returns track record driven by global semiconductor demand growth
Cons
- ✗Extreme TSMC concentration at 25% means the fund essentially tracks one company
- ✗Cross-strait tensions with China create geopolitical risk unique to Taiwan investments
- ✗Semiconductor industry cyclicality can cause sharp drawdowns during chip downturns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EWT a good ETF for beginners?▾
EWT has a Beginner Suitability Score of 8/10 on our scale. This makes it a strong choice for new investors due to its low fees and focused strategy.
What is the expense ratio of EWT?▾
EWT has an expense ratio of 0.59%. This means for every $10,000 you invest, you pay approximately $59 per year in fees. This is considered very low and cost-efficient.
How much money do I need to invest in EWT?▾
You can invest in EWT with as little as $1 through brokers that offer fractional shares (like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood). There is no minimum investment required beyond the share price itself, which changes daily. Dollar cost averaging — investing a fixed amount regularly — is a popular strategy.
Does EWT pay dividends?▾
Yes, EWT pays dividends with a current yield of approximately 2.50%. Dividends are typically paid quarterly and can be reinvested automatically through most brokers.
What are the top holdings in EWT?▾
The top holdings in EWT include Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) (25.00%), Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn) (5.00%), MediaTek Inc. (4.00%), and more. The fund holds 95 total positions, providing focused exposure to selected companies.