CGIE vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CGIE (Capital Group International Equity ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. CGIE is actively managed, while EFA is passively managed. Over the past year, CGIE returned 14.26% vs 21.83% for EFA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CGIE charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

CGIE vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group International Equity ETF (CGIE) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGIE achieves a 4.37% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.38% return.

CGIE

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 4.37%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: 14.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EFA

• 1D: -2.03%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 8.38%
• 6M: 8.09%
• 1Y: 21.83%
• 3Y*: 16.63%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

CGIE vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGIE Capital Group International Equity ETF	4.37%	28.11%	0.72%	11.75%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.38%	31.55%	3.49%	11.28%

Correlation

The correlation between CGIE and EFA is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.96

The correlation between CGIE and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGIE vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGIE	EFA
Industrials	26.5%	18.4%
Financial Services	20.5%	24.4%
Technology	19.5%	12.3%
Healthcare	7.4%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	6.9%
Utilities	6.4%	3.7%
Basic Materials	4.0%	6.2%
Energy	3.7%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	2.5%	4.5%
Real Estate	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

CGIE vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGIE

CGIE Risk / Return Rank: 26
CGIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
CGIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
CGIE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
CGIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
CGIE Martin Ratio Rank: 32

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

CGIE vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group International Equity ETF (CGIE) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CGIE	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	1.40	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	2.02	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.26	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.20	1.92	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	7.16	-2.70

CGIE vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGIE Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGIE and EFA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CGIE vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGIE drawdown since its inception was -13.82%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGIE and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGIE	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.82%	-61.04%	+47.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.94%	-11.42%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.53%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-2.03%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.54%	-11.91%	+9.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.05%	+0.15%

Volatility

CGIE vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group International Equity ETF (CGIE) has a higher volatility of 5.71% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) at 5.30%. This indicates that CGIE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGIE	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	5.30%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.41%	13.31%	+1.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.71%	15.65%	+1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.71%	16.58%	-0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.71%	17.03%	-1.32%

CGIE vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGIE has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGIE vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

CGIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than EFA's 3.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGIE Capital Group International Equity ETF	1.12%	1.17%	1.27%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.28%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGIE and EFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, CGIE and EFA 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, CGIE or EFA?

CGIE has higher volatility (5.71%) compared to EFA (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGIE dropped -13.82% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, CGIE or EFA?

On 1-year performance, EFA leads with 21.83% vs 14.26% for CGIE. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EFA has been the lower-risk option at 5.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGIE or EFA?

Over the 1-year period, EFA has performed better with a 21.83% return vs 14.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGIE or EFA?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for CGIE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGIE or EFA?

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.28%, compared with 1.12% for CGIE.

What is the main difference between CGIE and EFA?

They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for CGIE and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 0.86), 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.