EFAD vs. SPYD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFAD (ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF) and SPYD (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFAD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index, while SPYD is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFAD returned 4.08%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for SPYD. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EFAD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPYD.

Performance

EFAD vs. SPYD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFAD achieves a 1.98% return, which is significantly lower than SPYD's 10.34% return. Over the past 10 years, EFAD has underperformed SPYD with an annualized return of 4.08%, while SPYD has yielded a comparatively higher 8.59% annualized return.

EFAD

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.48%
• 1Y: 2.83%
• 3Y*: 6.48%
• 5Y*: 0.93%
• 10Y*: 4.08%

SPYD

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 10.34%
• 6M: 10.97%
• 1Y: 16.38%
• 3Y*: 14.37%
• 5Y*: 6.76%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

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

EFAD vs. SPYD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFAD ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF	1.98%	15.87%	-1.88%	11.91%	-21.34%	8.41%	8.75%	24.66%	-11.71%	22.14%
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	10.34%	4.65%	15.34%	3.91%	-1.17%	32.73%	-11.64%	21.20%	-4.89%	12.67%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAD and SPYD is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2015	0.56

The correlation between EFAD and SPYD shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.57 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EFAD vs. SPYD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAD	SPYD
Healthcare	18.1%	5.2%
Industrials	15.6%	2.3%
Technology	15.5%	2.7%
Financial Services	13.9%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	9.8%	16.3%
Basic Materials	8.7%	3.4%
Utilities	8.4%	11.4%
Communication Services	6.4%	5.1%
Real Estate	3.6%	25.8%
Energy	1.3%	9.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.5%

Return for Risk

EFAD vs. SPYD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAD

EFAD Risk / Return Rank: 12
EFAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Omega Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
EFAD Martin Ratio Rank: 13

SPYD

SPYD Risk / Return Rank: 41
SPYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SPYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SPYD Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SPYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SPYD Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

EFAD vs. SPYD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). 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.

	EFAD	SPYD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.21	1.42	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.39	2.15	-1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.24	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.28	2.33	-2.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.92	6.77	-5.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFAD vs. SPYD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAD Sharpe Ratio is 0.21, which is lower than the SPYD Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAD and SPYD, 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

	EFAD	SPYD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21	1.42	-1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	0.42	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	0.44	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.47	-0.29

Drawdowns

EFAD vs. SPYD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAD drawdown since its inception was -35.74%, smaller than the maximum SPYD drawdown of -46.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAD and SPYD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAD	SPYD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.74%	-46.42%	+10.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.18%	-7.05%	-3.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.35%	-16.13%	+2.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.74%	-22.25%	-13.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.74%	-46.42%	+10.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	-1.11%	-2.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.32%	-6.17%	-4.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.43%	+0.66%

Volatility

EFAD vs. SPYD - Volatility Comparison

ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) at 2.57%. This indicates that EFAD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPYD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAD	SPYD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	2.57%	+1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	7.71%	+2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	11.62%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.39%	16.13%	-1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	19.78%	-4.11%

EFAD vs. SPYD - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYD's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFAD vs. SPYD - Dividend Comparison

EFAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, less than SPYD's 4.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAD ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF	2.82%	2.83%	2.64%	2.29%	1.76%	2.98%	1.49%	2.05%	2.37%	2.42%	2.88%	1.94%
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	4.21%	4.52%	4.31%	4.66%	5.01%	3.68%	4.95%	4.42%	4.75%	4.63%	4.34%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAD and SPYD in my portfolio?

EFAD and SPYD have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFAD or SPYD?

EFAD has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to SPYD (2.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAD dropped -35.74% vs SPYD's -46.42%.

Which ETF is better, EFAD or SPYD?

On 10-year performance, SPYD leads with 8.59% vs 4.08% for EFAD. On fees, SPYD is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPYD has been the lower-risk option at 2.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFAD or SPYD?

Over the 10-year period, SPYD has performed better with a 8.59% return vs 4.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAD or SPYD?

SPYD is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EFAD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFAD or SPYD?

SPYD has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 2.82% for EFAD.

What is the main difference between EFAD and SPYD?

EFAD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPYD is S&P 500. EFAD tracks MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index, while SPYD tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EFAD and 0.07% for SPYD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 0.21), 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.