EFG vs. IXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EFG (iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF) and IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from iShares - EFG tracks the MSCI EAFE Growth Index while IXUS tracks the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFG returned 8.96%/yr vs 10.55%/yr for IXUS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IXUS.

Performance

EFG vs. IXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFG achieves a 10.97% return, which is significantly lower than IXUS's 16.32% return. Over the past 10 years, EFG has underperformed IXUS with an annualized return of 8.96%, while IXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.55% annualized return.

EFG

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 6M: 11.15%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 12.41%
• 5Y*: 4.98%
• 10Y*: 8.96%

IXUS

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 16.81%
• 1Y: 34.59%
• 3Y*: 20.26%
• 5Y*: 9.16%
• 10Y*: 10.55%

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

EFG vs. IXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	10.97%	20.70%	1.53%	17.55%	-23.12%	11.01%	17.85%	27.47%	-12.93%	28.86%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	16.32%	32.40%	5.19%	15.83%	-16.47%	8.86%	10.80%	21.71%	-14.41%	28.12%

Correlation

The correlation between EFG and IXUS is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.93

The correlation between EFG and IXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFG vs. IXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFG	IXUS
Industrials	28.3%	11.3%
Technology	20.3%	30.5%
Healthcare	13.2%	6.5%
Financial Services	11.3%	23.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	5.6%
Basic Materials	6.0%	5.0%
Communication Services	5.2%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	3.9%
Utilities	1.5%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.2%
Energy	0.5%	4.4%

Return for Risk

EFG vs. IXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFG

EFG Risk / Return Rank: 32
EFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
EFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EFG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
EFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
EFG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EFG vs. IXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS). 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.

	EFG	IXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	2.14	-1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	2.90	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.40	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.54	3.06	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.68	11.79	-6.11

EFG vs. IXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFG Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the IXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFG and IXUS, 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

EFG vs. IXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFG drawdown since its inception was -58.40%, which is greater than IXUS's maximum drawdown of -36.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFG and IXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFG	IXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.40%	-36.22%	-22.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.78%	-11.36%	-1.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	-13.75%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.78%	-30.03%	-5.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.78%	-36.22%	+0.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.13%	-7.48%	-4.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.47%	2.94%	+0.53%

Volatility

EFG vs. IXUS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) and iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) have volatilities of 6.36% and 6.43%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFG	IXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.36%	6.43%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.39%	14.30%	+1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.94%	16.28%	+1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.29%	16.39%	+1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.73%	17.10%	+0.63%

EFG vs. IXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than IXUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFG vs. IXUS - Dividend Comparison

EFG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, less than IXUS's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	2.22%	2.53%	1.64%	1.63%	1.27%	1.54%	0.85%	1.69%	1.98%	1.56%	2.20%	1.75%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.88%	3.24%	3.33%	3.13%	2.48%	3.12%	1.85%	3.09%	3.00%	2.41%	2.58%	2.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFG and IXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, EFG and IXUS 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, EFG or IXUS?

IXUS has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to EFG (6.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFG dropped -58.40% vs IXUS's -36.22%.

Which ETF is better, EFG or IXUS?

On 10-year performance, IXUS leads with 10.55% vs 8.96% for EFG. On fees, IXUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFG or IXUS?

Over the 10-year period, IXUS has performed better with a 10.55% return vs 8.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFG or IXUS?

IXUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for EFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFG or IXUS?

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.22% for EFG.

What is the main difference between EFG and IXUS?

EFG tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index, while IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.40% for EFG and 0.07% for IXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.10), 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.