EFA vs. IXG

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) and IXG (iShares Global Financials ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while IXG is a Financials Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Financials Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFA returned 9.84%/yr vs 12.87%/yr for IXG. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFA charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for IXG.

Performance

EFA vs. IXG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFA achieves a 9.36% return, which is significantly higher than IXG's 3.78% return. Over the past 10 years, EFA has underperformed IXG with an annualized return of 9.84%, while IXG has yielded a comparatively higher 12.87% annualized return.

EFA

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 3.24%
• YTD: 9.36%
• 6M: 10.80%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.84%

IXG

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 3.78%
• 6M: 4.96%
• 1Y: 19.03%
• 3Y*: 23.67%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 12.87%

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

EFA vs. IXG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	9.36%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%
IXG iShares Global Financials ETF	3.78%	28.54%	25.69%	14.97%	-8.97%	25.07%	-2.99%	24.60%	-16.33%	23.78%

Correlation

The correlation between EFA and IXG is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001	0.82

The correlation between EFA and IXG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFA vs. IXG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFA	IXG
Financial Services	24.1%	97.9%
Industrials	18.9%	0.2%
Technology	12.1%	1.1%
Healthcare	10.1%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	-
Basic Materials	6.2%	-
Communication Services	4.6%	-
Energy	3.8%	0.1%
Utilities	3.7%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	-

Return for Risk

EFA vs. IXG — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

IXG

IXG Risk / Return Rank: 37
IXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
IXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IXG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
IXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
IXG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

EFA vs. IXG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) and iShares Global Financials ETF (IXG). 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.

	EFA	IXG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.20	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	1.78	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.21	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	1.49	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.67	5.26	+1.41

EFA vs. IXG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the IXG Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFA and IXG, 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

EFA vs. IXG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFA drawdown since its inception was -61.04%, smaller than the maximum IXG drawdown of -78.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFA and IXG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFA	IXG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.04%	-78.42%	+17.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.42%	-11.33%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.05%	-13.54%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.53%	-27.20%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.19%	-43.47%	+9.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	0.00%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.92%	-19.73%	+7.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	3.21%	-0.14%

Volatility

EFA vs. IXG - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a higher volatility of 5.50% compared to iShares Global Financials ETF (IXG) at 4.30%. This indicates that EFA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IXG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFA	IXG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	4.30%	+1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.19%	11.30%	+1.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.64%	14.01%	+1.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.58%	17.38%	-0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	20.12%	-2.85%

EFA vs. IXG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFA has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than IXG's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFA vs. IXG - Dividend Comparison

EFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.09%, more than IXG's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.09%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
IXG iShares Global Financials ETF	1.97%	2.04%	2.64%	2.62%	3.71%	1.69%	2.13%	2.87%	3.14%	2.12%	2.21%	2.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFA and IXG in my portfolio?

EFA and IXG have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFA or IXG?

EFA has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to IXG (4.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFA dropped -61.04% vs IXG's -78.42%.

Which ETF is better, EFA or IXG?

On 10-year performance, IXG leads with 12.87% vs 9.84% for EFA. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, IXG has been the lower-risk option at 4.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFA or IXG?

Over the 10-year period, IXG has performed better with a 12.87% return vs 9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFA or IXG?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXG.

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

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.09%, compared with 1.97% for IXG.

What is the main difference between EFA and IXG?

EFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IXG is Financials Equities. EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while IXG tracks S&P Global Financials Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for EFA and 0.46% for IXG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 1.20), 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.