EFNL vs. FSZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EFNL (iShares MSCI Finland ETF) and FSZ (First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - EFNL tracks the MSCI Finland IMI 25/50 Index while FSZ tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFNL returned 10.11%/yr vs 10.25%/yr for FSZ. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EFNL charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FSZ.

Performance

EFNL vs. FSZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Finland ETF (EFNL) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFNL achieves a 11.71% return, which is significantly higher than FSZ's 2.53% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EFNL having a 10.11% annualized return and FSZ not far ahead at 10.25%.

EFNL

• 1D: -2.56%
• 1M: -5.85%
• YTD: 11.71%
• 6M: 12.28%
• 1Y: 34.67%
• 3Y*: 19.81%
• 5Y*: 5.46%
• 10Y*: 10.11%

FSZ

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 2.53%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 11.07%
• 3Y*: 13.17%
• 5Y*: 6.20%
• 10Y*: 10.25%

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

EFNL vs. FSZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFNL iShares MSCI Finland ETF	11.71%	53.59%	-5.28%	-0.12%	-17.29%	10.50%	20.19%	13.64%	-6.86%	23.77%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.53%	30.10%	-1.85%	21.30%	-20.12%	20.18%	13.83%	25.88%	-15.22%	31.30%

Correlation

The correlation between EFNL and FSZ is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2012	0.65

The correlation between EFNL and FSZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFNL vs. FSZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFNL	FSZ
Financial Services	25.9%	22.0%
Technology	23.3%	4.9%
Industrials	20.3%	17.1%
Basic Materials	8.9%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	7.3%
Energy	4.1%	-
Utilities	3.6%	2.4%
Healthcare	3.5%	14.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	4.9%
Communication Services	2.3%	2.4%
Real Estate	0.7%	2.4%

Return for Risk

EFNL vs. FSZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFNL

EFNL Risk / Return Rank: 66
EFNL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
EFNL Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
EFNL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
EFNL Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EFNL Martin Ratio Rank: 76

FSZ

FSZ Risk / Return Rank: 23
FSZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FSZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FSZ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

EFNL vs. FSZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Finland ETF (EFNL) and First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ). 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.

	EFNL	FSZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	0.78	+1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	1.21	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.14	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	1.07	+3.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.42	2.61	+10.81

EFNL vs. FSZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFNL Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the FSZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFNL and FSZ, 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

EFNL vs. FSZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFNL drawdown since its inception was -38.70%, which is greater than FSZ's maximum drawdown of -33.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFNL and FSZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFNL	FSZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.70%	-33.97%	-4.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.38%	-10.39%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.93%	-13.93%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.70%	-33.96%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-33.97%	-4.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.22%	-4.66%	-3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.91%	-6.98%	-3.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	4.24%	-1.65%

Volatility

EFNL vs. FSZ - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Finland ETF (EFNL) has a higher volatility of 8.82% compared to First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ) at 4.07%. This indicates that EFNL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFNL	FSZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.82%	4.07%	+4.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.81%	11.05%	+4.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.70%	14.34%	+4.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	19.35%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.93%	18.75%	+1.18%

EFNL vs. FSZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFNL has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than FSZ's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFNL vs. FSZ - Dividend Comparison

EFNL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than FSZ's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFNL iShares MSCI Finland ETF	1.02%	3.40%	5.05%	4.31%	5.94%	2.29%	2.94%	5.70%	3.83%	3.30%	2.40%	1.57%
FSZ First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund	2.38%	1.80%	1.80%	2.11%	3.50%	1.62%	1.53%	2.01%	2.29%	1.49%	1.93%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFNL and FSZ in my portfolio?

EFNL and FSZ have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFNL or FSZ?

EFNL has higher volatility (8.82%) compared to FSZ (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFNL dropped -38.70% vs FSZ's -33.97%.

Which ETF is better, EFNL or FSZ?

On 10-year performance, FSZ leads with 10.25% vs 10.11% for EFNL. On fees, EFNL is cheaper at 0.53% per year. On volatility, FSZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFNL or FSZ?

Over the 10-year period, FSZ has performed better with a 10.25% return vs 10.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFNL or FSZ?

EFNL is cheaper with a 0.53% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FSZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFNL or FSZ?

FSZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.38%, compared with 1.02% for EFNL.

What is the main difference between EFNL and FSZ?

EFNL tracks MSCI Finland IMI 25/50 Index, while FSZ tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for EFNL and 0.80% for FSZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFNL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.78), 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.