EFAV vs. ESGE

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

EFAV (iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF) and ESGE (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFAV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index, while ESGE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EFAV returned 6.05%/yr vs 7.48%/yr for ESGE. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EFAV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ESGE.

Performance

EFAV vs. ESGE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFAV achieves a 4.26% return, which is significantly lower than ESGE's 27.56% return.

EFAV

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 4.26%
• 6M: 4.77%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 12.45%
• 5Y*: 6.05%
• 10Y*: 6.30%

ESGE

• 1D: 2.95%
• 1M: 8.60%
• YTD: 27.56%
• 6M: 30.80%
• 1Y: 51.80%
• 3Y*: 22.81%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: —

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

EFAV vs. ESGE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	4.26%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	-15.11%	7.20%	-0.06%	16.67%	-5.74%	22.24%
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	27.56%	35.86%	6.63%	9.51%	-22.41%	-2.87%	18.60%	20.37%	-15.24%	38.86%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAV and ESGE is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2016	0.63

The correlation between EFAV and ESGE shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EFAV vs. ESGE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAV	ESGE
Financial Services	19.4%	22.0%
Industrials	15.9%	5.7%
Healthcare	12.0%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	11.9%	2.1%
Communication Services	9.6%	7.4%
Utilities	8.8%	1.3%
Energy	8.3%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	7.5%
Technology	4.6%	43.9%
Real Estate	3.0%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.5%	5.0%

Return for Risk

EFAV vs. ESGE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 29
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EFAV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

ESGE

ESGE Risk / Return Rank: 80
ESGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
ESGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
ESGE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
ESGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
ESGE Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

EFAV vs. ESGE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE). 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.

	EFAV	ESGE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	2.38	-1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	3.05	-1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.45	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	3.75	-2.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.86	14.02	-10.16

EFAV vs. ESGE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAV Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is lower than the ESGE Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAV and ESGE, 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

EFAV vs. ESGE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAV drawdown since its inception was -27.56%, smaller than the maximum ESGE drawdown of -41.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAV and ESGE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAV	ESGE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.56%	-41.07%	+13.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	-13.90%	+7.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.75%	-16.71%	+7.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.46%	-39.18%	+11.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.21%	-0.68%	-4.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-14.43%	+9.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	3.70%	-1.23%

Volatility

EFAV vs. ESGE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) is 3.50%, while iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) has a volatility of 11.18%. This indicates that EFAV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESGE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAV	ESGE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	11.18%	-7.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.47%	19.61%	-11.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.56%	21.89%	-11.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.84%	19.50%	-7.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.20%	20.10%	-6.90%

EFAV vs. ESGE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ESGE's 0.25% 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

EFAV vs. ESGE - Dividend Comparison

EFAV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.04%, more than ESGE's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	5.04%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	2.69%	2.50%	2.41%	2.64%	2.68%	2.66%	1.31%	2.59%	2.19%	1.86%	0.27%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAV and ESGE in my portfolio?

EFAV and ESGE have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFAV or ESGE?

ESGE has higher volatility (11.18%) compared to EFAV (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAV dropped -27.56% vs ESGE's -41.07%.

Which ETF is better, EFAV or ESGE?

On 5-year performance, ESGE leads with 7.48% vs 6.05% for EFAV. On fees, EFAV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFAV or ESGE?

Over the 5-year period, ESGE has performed better with a 7.48% return vs 6.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAV or ESGE?

EFAV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for ESGE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFAV or ESGE?

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.69% for ESGE.

What is the main difference between EFAV and ESGE?

EFAV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ESGE is Emerging Markets Equities. EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index, while ESGE tracks MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for EFAV and 0.25% for ESGE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 0.91), 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.