EFAV vs. QDIV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

EFAV (iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF) and QDIV (Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFAV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, while QDIV is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EFAV returned 6.57%/yr vs 7.69%/yr for QDIV. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

EFAV vs. QDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) and Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFAV achieves a 7.06% return, which is significantly lower than QDIV's 12.29% return.

EFAV

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.71%
• 6M: 5.68%
• YTD: 7.06%
• 1Y: 13.00%
• 3Y*: 13.16%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 6.24%
• ALL TIME*: 7.11%

QDIV

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 4.52%
• 6M: 7.40%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 1Y: 15.20%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 7.69%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.77%

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

EFAV vs. QDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EFAV iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF	7.06%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	-15.11%	7.20%	-0.06%	16.67%	-6.18%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	12.29%	3.16%	10.62%	5.18%	-0.50%	28.99%	0.03%	29.00%	-12.20%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAV and QDIV is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2018	0.57

The correlation between EFAV and QDIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFAV vs. QDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAV	QDIV
Financial Services	19.9%	20.5%
Industrials	15.5%	15.3%
Consumer Defensive	12.2%	22.0%
Healthcare	11.8%	13.9%
Communication Services	8.9%	3.5%
Utilities	8.8%	-
Energy	8.1%	9.3%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	6.0%
Technology	4.5%	10.9%
Real Estate	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.6%	2.0%

Return for Risk

EFAV vs. QDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 45
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EFAV Martin Ratio Rank: 39

QDIV

QDIV Risk / Return Rank: 46
QDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
QDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
QDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
QDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. QDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) and Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV). 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	QDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.24	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.93	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	1.91	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.55	4.75	-0.20

EFAV vs. QDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAV Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the QDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAV and QDIV, 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. QDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAV drawdown since its inception was -27.56%, smaller than the maximum QDIV drawdown of -41.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAV and QDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAV	QDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.56%	-41.20%	+13.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.66%	-7.97%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.75%	-16.81%	+8.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.46%	-18.52%	-8.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.67%	-0.65%	-2.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-5.49%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	3.21%	-0.35%

Volatility

EFAV vs. QDIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is 2.68%, while Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) has a volatility of 4.56%. This indicates that EFAV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAV	QDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.68%	4.56%	-1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.75%	8.67%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.65%	12.29%	-1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.84%	15.27%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.02%	19.36%	-6.34%

EFAV vs. QDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EFAV and QDIV have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EFAV vs. QDIV - Dividend Comparison

EFAV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, more than QDIV's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAV iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF	3.15%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	2.90%	3.13%	2.88%	3.26%	3.02%	2.44%	3.06%	2.84%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAV and QDIV in my portfolio?

EFAV and QDIV have a correlation of 0.50, 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 QDIV?

QDIV has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to EFAV (2.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAV dropped -27.56% vs QDIV's -41.20%.

Which ETF is better, EFAV or QDIV?

On 5-year performance, QDIV leads with 7.69% vs 6.57% for EFAV. Both ETFs have the same 0.20% expense ratio. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 2.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFAV or QDIV?

Over the 5-year period, QDIV has performed better with a 7.69% return vs 6.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAV or QDIV?

EFAV and QDIV have the same expense ratio: 0.20% per year.

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

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 2.90% for QDIV.

What is the main difference between EFAV and QDIV?

EFAV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while QDIV is Dividend. EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, while QDIV tracks S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 1.23), 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.