EFAX vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFAX (SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - EFAX tracks the MSCI EAFE ex Fossil Fuels Index while EFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EFAX returned 7.48%/yr vs 8.29%/yr for EFA. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFAX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

EFAX vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFAX achieves a 6.64% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.42% return.

EFAX

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 3.93%
• YTD: 6.64%
• 6M: 9.20%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: 16.03%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: —

EFA

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 21.06%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

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

EFAX vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFAX SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF	6.64%	31.30%	4.78%	18.02%	-16.72%	10.50%	9.57%	23.52%	-14.78%	23.93%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.42%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAX and EFA is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2016	0.93

The correlation between EFAX and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFAX vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAX	EFA
Financial Services	18.6%	24.6%
Technology	11.6%	10.4%
Industrials	9.5%	19.9%
Healthcare	9.0%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	7.6%
Basic Materials	3.9%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	6.7%
Communication Services	3.2%	4.5%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.9%
Energy	1.5%	4.0%
Utilities	1.2%	4.0%

Return for Risk

EFAX vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAX

EFAX Risk / Return Rank: 33
EFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
EFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
EFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 39
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

EFAX vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EFAX) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

	EFAX	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.41	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	2.04	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	1.85	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.61	6.94	-1.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFAX vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAX and EFA, 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

	EFAX	EFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	1.41	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.51	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.31	+0.22

Drawdowns

EFAX vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAX drawdown since its inception was -32.53%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAX and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAX	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.53%	-61.04%	+28.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	-11.42%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.52%	-14.05%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.67%	-29.53%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-1.46%	-0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.97%	-11.93%	+4.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	3.04%	+0.30%

Volatility

EFAX vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.24% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) at 4.98%. This indicates that EFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAX	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	4.98%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.11%	12.51%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.67%	15.05%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	16.48%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	17.26%	-0.16%

EFAX vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFAX vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

EFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than EFA's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.12%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
EFAX SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF	3.22%	3.31%	2.74%	2.71%	2.81%	2.58%	1.69%	2.71%	3.05%	2.89%	0.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAX and EFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, EFAX and EFA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, EFAX or EFA?

EFAX has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to EFA (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAX dropped -32.53% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, EFAX or EFA?

On 5-year performance, EFA leads with 8.29% vs 7.48% for EFAX. On fees, EFAX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFAX or EFA?

Over the 5-year period, EFA has performed better with a 8.29% return vs 7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAX or EFA?

EFAX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for EFA.

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

EFAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 3.12% for EFA.

What is the main difference between EFAX and EFA?

EFAX tracks MSCI EAFE ex Fossil Fuels Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for EFAX and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 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.