EFAX vs. FEDM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EFAX (SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF) and FEDM (FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - EFAX tracks the MSCI EAFE ex Fossil Fuels Index while FEDM tracks the Northern Trust ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, EFAX returned 16.55%/yr vs 14.54%/yr for FEDM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EFAX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for FEDM.

Performance

EFAX vs. FEDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EFAX) and FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFAX achieves a 7.52% return, which is significantly higher than FEDM's 6.95% return.

EFAX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 7.52%
• 6M: 9.91%
• 1Y: 18.97%
• 3Y*: 16.55%
• 5Y*: 7.65%
• 10Y*: —

FEDM

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 2.92%
• YTD: 6.95%
• 6M: 8.83%
• 1Y: 16.72%
• 3Y*: 14.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EFAX vs. FEDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
EFAX SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF	7.52%	31.30%	4.78%	18.02%	-16.72%	0.08%
FEDM FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund	6.95%	26.85%	2.85%	17.39%	-15.25%	1.87%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAX and FEDM is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2021	0.96

The correlation between EFAX and FEDM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFAX vs. FEDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFAX	FEDM
Financial Services	18.6%	27.1%
Technology	11.6%	10.9%
Industrials	9.5%	17.8%
Healthcare	9.0%	10.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	5.7%
Basic Materials	3.9%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	7.1%
Communication Services	3.2%	4.6%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.8%
Energy	1.5%	5.7%
Utilities	1.2%	3.5%

Return for Risk

EFAX vs. FEDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAX

EFAX Risk / Return Rank: 34
EFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
EFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
EFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
EFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
EFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

FEDM

FEDM Risk / Return Rank: 30
FEDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
FEDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FEDM Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FEDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FEDM Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. FEDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EFAX) and FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM). 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	FEDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.04	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	1.57	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.20	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.54	1.41	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.69	5.07	+0.62
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. FEDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is comparable to the FEDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAX and FEDM, 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	FEDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	1.04	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.47	+0.07

Drawdowns

EFAX vs. FEDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAX drawdown since its inception was -32.53%, which is greater than FEDM's maximum drawdown of -29.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAX and FEDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAX	FEDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.53%	-29.37%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	-11.92%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.52%	-14.24%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-1.16%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.96%	-6.99%	+0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	3.30%	+0.04%

Volatility

EFAX vs. FEDM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EFAX) has a higher volatility of 5.12% compared to FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund (FEDM) at 4.71%. This indicates that EFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FEDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFAX	FEDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.12%	4.71%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.13%	12.47%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.67%	16.14%	-0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	16.46%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	16.46%	+0.64%

EFAX vs. FEDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than FEDM's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EFAX vs. FEDM - Dividend Comparison

EFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, more than FEDM's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EFAX SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Free ETF	3.19%	3.31%	2.74%	2.71%	2.81%	2.58%	1.69%	2.71%	3.05%	2.89%	0.26%
FEDM FlexShares ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index Fund	2.80%	2.97%	2.94%	2.61%	2.53%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAX and FEDM in my portfolio?

EFAX and FEDM have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFAX or FEDM?

EFAX has higher volatility (5.12%) compared to FEDM (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAX dropped -32.53% vs FEDM's -29.37%.

Which ETF is better, EFAX or FEDM?

On 3-year performance, EFAX leads with 16.55% vs 14.54% for FEDM. On fees, FEDM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, FEDM has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFAX or FEDM?

Over the 3-year period, EFAX has performed better with a 16.55% return vs 14.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAX or FEDM?

FEDM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for EFAX.

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

EFAX has the higher dividend yield at 3.19%, compared with 2.80% for FEDM.

What is the main difference between EFAX and FEDM?

EFAX tracks MSCI EAFE ex Fossil Fuels Index, while FEDM tracks Northern Trust ESG & Climate Developed Markets ex-US Core Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: State Street and FlexShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for EFAX and 0.12% for FEDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs 1.04), 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.