EFAV vs. IQLT

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

EFAV (iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF) and IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from iShares - EFAV tracks the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index while IQLT tracks the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFAV returned 6.30%/yr vs 10.04%/yr for IQLT. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFAV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for IQLT.

Performance

EFAV vs. IQLT - 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 MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT). 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 IQLT's 10.27% return. Over the past 10 years, EFAV has underperformed IQLT with an annualized return of 6.30%, while IQLT has yielded a comparatively higher 10.04% annualized 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%

IQLT

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 10.27%
• 6M: 10.93%
• 1Y: 18.79%
• 3Y*: 13.94%
• 5Y*: 7.47%
• 10Y*: 10.04%

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

EFAV vs. IQLT - 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%
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	10.27%	25.42%	1.54%	18.73%	-15.22%	12.94%	12.48%	28.18%	-10.76%	24.04%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAV and IQLT is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2015	0.82

The correlation between EFAV and IQLT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFAV vs. IQLT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAV	IQLT
Financial Services	19.4%	24.9%
Industrials	15.9%	17.8%
Healthcare	12.0%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	11.9%	6.4%
Communication Services	9.6%	3.2%
Utilities	8.8%	3.7%
Energy	8.3%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	8.2%
Technology	4.6%	11.8%
Real Estate	3.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.5%	7.2%

Return for Risk

EFAV vs. IQLT — 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

IQLT

IQLT Risk / Return Rank: 40
IQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
IQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
IQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
IQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. IQLT - 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 MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT). 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	IQLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	1.26	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	1.85	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.22	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	1.82	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.86	6.90	-3.04

EFAV vs. IQLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAV Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is comparable to the IQLT Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAV and IQLT, 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. IQLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAV drawdown since its inception was -27.56%, smaller than the maximum IQLT drawdown of -32.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAV and IQLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAV	IQLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.56%	-32.21%	+4.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	-10.38%	+3.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.75%	-13.18%	+4.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.46%	-30.24%	+2.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.56%	-32.21%	+4.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.21%	0.00%	-5.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-6.21%	+1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	2.73%	-0.26%

Volatility

EFAV vs. IQLT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) is 3.50%, while iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) has a volatility of 5.39%. This indicates that EFAV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAV	IQLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	5.39%	-1.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.47%	12.71%	-4.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.56%	14.96%	-4.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.84%	16.56%	-4.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.20%	16.98%	-3.78%

EFAV vs. IQLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than IQLT's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFAV vs. IQLT - Dividend Comparison

EFAV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.04%, more than IQLT's 3.65% 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%
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	3.65%	2.33%	2.87%	2.27%	3.14%	2.24%	1.61%	2.28%	2.72%	2.36%	2.91%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAV and IQLT in my portfolio?

EFAV and IQLT have a correlation of 0.81, 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 IQLT?

IQLT has higher volatility (5.39%) compared to EFAV (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAV dropped -27.56% vs IQLT's -32.21%.

Which ETF is better, EFAV or IQLT?

On 10-year performance, IQLT leads with 10.04% vs 6.30% 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 IQLT?

Over the 10-year period, IQLT has performed better with a 10.04% return vs 6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAV or IQLT?

EFAV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IQLT.

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

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 3.65% for IQLT.

What is the main difference between EFAV and IQLT?

EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index, while IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.20% for EFAV and 0.30% for IQLT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 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.