BKIE vs. IEFA

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BKIE (BNY Mellon International Equity ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - BKIE tracks the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Large Cap Index while IEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKIE returned 8.82%/yr vs 7.82%/yr for IEFA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BKIE charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.

Performance

BKIE vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon International Equity ETF (BKIE) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BKIE having a 7.27% return and IEFA slightly higher at 7.49%.

BKIE

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 7.27%
• 6M: 9.96%
• 1Y: 20.75%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 8.82%
• 10Y*: —

IEFA

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: 19.61%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BKIE vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKIE BNY Mellon International Equity ETF	7.27%	32.08%	4.63%	18.25%	-13.60%	13.75%	34.17%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	7.49%	32.08%	3.26%	17.95%	-15.24%	11.63%	36.72%

Correlation

The correlation between BKIE and IEFA is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2020	0.98

The correlation between BKIE and IEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKIE vs. IEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKIE	IEFA
Financial Services	25.8%	22.5%
Industrials	18.6%	20.1%
Technology	10.1%	10.8%
Healthcare	9.1%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	8.0%
Basic Materials	7.2%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	6.6%
Energy	5.9%	3.8%
Communication Services	4.2%	4.4%
Utilities	3.7%	3.6%
Real Estate	2.0%	3.0%

Return for Risk

BKIE vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BKIE

BKIE Risk / Return Rank: 44
BKIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BKIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BKIE Omega Ratio Rank: 43
BKIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
BKIE Martin Ratio Rank: 47

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 40
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 40
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 43

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BKIE vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon International Equity ETF (BKIE) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	BKIE	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	1.30	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	1.88	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	1.71	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.03	6.52	+0.52
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKIE vs. IEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is comparable to the IEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKIE and IEFA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKIE	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.41	1.30	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.47	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	0.50	+0.40

Drawdowns

BKIE vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKIE drawdown since its inception was -28.19%, smaller than the maximum IEFA drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKIE and IEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKIE	IEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.19%	-34.78%	+6.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.41%	-11.50%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.19%	-13.76%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.19%	-30.41%	+2.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.41%	-2.44%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-6.69%	+1.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	3.02%	-0.06%

Volatility

BKIE vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BNY Mellon International Equity ETF (BKIE) is 4.17%, while iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) has a volatility of 4.54%. This indicates that BKIE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKIE	IEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.17%	4.54%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.46%	12.74%	-0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.84%	15.22%	-0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	16.55%	-0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.36%	17.32%	-0.96%

BKIE vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKIE has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than IEFA's 0.07% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BKIE vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison

BKIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, which matches IEFA's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKIE BNY Mellon International Equity ETF	3.30%	3.12%	3.31%	2.88%	2.97%	2.58%	1.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	3.30%	3.55%	3.47%	3.20%	2.70%	3.32%	1.90%	3.18%	3.46%	2.57%	2.96%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKIE and IEFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, BKIE and IEFA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BKIE or IEFA?

IEFA has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to BKIE (4.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKIE dropped -28.19% vs IEFA's -34.78%.

Which ETF is better, BKIE or IEFA?

On 5-year performance, BKIE leads with 8.82% vs 7.82% for IEFA. On fees, BKIE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, BKIE has been the lower-risk option at 4.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKIE or IEFA?

Over the 5-year period, BKIE has performed better with a 8.82% return vs 7.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKIE or IEFA?

BKIE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for IEFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKIE or IEFA?

BKIE and IEFA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 3.30%.

What is the main difference between BKIE and IEFA?

BKIE tracks Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Large Cap Index, while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for BKIE and 0.07% for IEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKIE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 1.30), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.