EFG vs. KOKU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFG (iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF) and KOKU (Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Growth Index, while KOKU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EFG returned 4.23%/yr vs 12.19%/yr for KOKU. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for KOKU.

Performance

EFG vs. KOKU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) and Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFG achieves a 7.91% return, which is significantly lower than KOKU's 9.75% return.

EFG

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 7.91%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 14.40%
• 3Y*: 10.91%
• 5Y*: 4.23%
• 10Y*: 7.96%

KOKU

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 4.64%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 10.50%
• 1Y: 25.43%
• 3Y*: 21.06%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: —

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

EFG vs. KOKU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	7.91%	20.70%	1.53%	17.55%	-23.12%	11.01%	40.07%
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	9.75%	21.45%	19.45%	24.23%	-17.83%	23.84%	40.42%

Correlation

The correlation between EFG and KOKU is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2020	0.84

The correlation between EFG and KOKU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFG vs. KOKU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFG	KOKU
Industrials	29.6%	10.5%
Technology	18.1%	28.9%
Healthcare	14.2%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	9.1%
Financial Services	10.6%	15.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	5.4%
Communication Services	4.8%	9.3%
Basic Materials	4.6%	3.3%
Utilities	1.1%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.8%
Energy	0.2%	4.4%

Return for Risk

EFG vs. KOKU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFG

EFG Risk / Return Rank: 25
EFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
EFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
EFG Omega Ratio Rank: 22
EFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
EFG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

KOKU

KOKU Risk / Return Rank: 63
KOKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
KOKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
KOKU Omega Ratio Rank: 61
KOKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
KOKU Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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. KOKU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) and Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU). 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.

	EFG	KOKU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	2.10	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	2.94	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.37	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	2.82	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	12.73	-8.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFG vs. KOKU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is lower than the KOKU Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFG and KOKU, 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

	EFG	KOKU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85	2.10	-1.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.75	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	1.10	-0.81

Drawdowns

EFG vs. KOKU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFG drawdown since its inception was -58.40%, which is greater than KOKU's maximum drawdown of -25.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFG and KOKU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFG	KOKU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.40%	-25.77%	-32.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.78%	-9.04%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	-17.73%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.78%	-25.77%	-10.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.76%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.16%	-4.82%	-7.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	2.00%	+1.46%

Volatility

EFG vs. KOKU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) has a higher volatility of 5.88% compared to Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) at 3.35%. This indicates that EFG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KOKU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFG	KOKU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.88%	3.35%	+2.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.36%	9.42%	+4.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	12.18%	+4.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.11%	16.41%	+1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	16.81%	+0.88%

EFG vs. KOKU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than KOKU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFG vs. KOKU - Dividend Comparison

EFG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, more than KOKU's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	2.34%	2.53%	1.64%	1.63%	1.27%	1.54%	0.85%	1.69%	1.98%	1.56%	2.20%	1.75%
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	1.36%	1.48%	1.63%	1.76%	1.98%	1.89%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFG and KOKU in my portfolio?

EFG and KOKU have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFG or KOKU?

EFG has higher volatility (5.88%) compared to KOKU (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFG dropped -58.40% vs KOKU's -25.77%.

Which ETF is better, EFG or KOKU?

On 5-year performance, KOKU leads with 12.19% vs 4.23% for EFG. On fees, KOKU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KOKU has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFG or KOKU?

Over the 5-year period, KOKU has performed better with a 12.19% return vs 4.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFG or KOKU?

KOKU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for EFG.

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

EFG has the higher dividend yield at 2.34%, compared with 1.36% for KOKU.

What is the main difference between EFG and KOKU?

EFG is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while KOKU is Large Cap Growth Equities. EFG tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index, while KOKU tracks MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan). They also come from different issuers: iShares and Deutsche Bank. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for EFG and 0.09% for KOKU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KOKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.85), 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.