The iShares South Korea ETF Surged Over 8% on Ceasefire Day After Steep Losses During the Iran Conflict. Does EWY Belong in Your Portfolio?
fool.com·Apr 16, 2026
Following the onset of the war in Iran, global investors pulled back on risk, leading to a significant sell-off in international stocks, particularly the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, which dropped from a 52-week high of over $152 to around $116 by March 31.
The key insight for you as an investor is the significant vulnerability of the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) to geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Iran, which caused its share price to drop from a 52-week high of $152 to around $116. This highlights the importance of considering geopolitical risks in your asset allocation and the potential benefits of diversifying into less geopolitically sensitive markets or sectors.