EFV vs. EWY

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) and EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index (Net), while EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFV returned 10.55%/yr vs 16.84%/yr for EWY. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EFV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWY.

Performance

EFV vs. EWY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFV achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly lower than EWY's 103.10% return. Over the past 10 years, EFV has underperformed EWY with an annualized return of 10.55%, while EWY has yielded a comparatively higher 16.84% annualized return.

EFV

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 0.52%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 6M: 12.39%
• 1Y: 27.62%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 10.55%

EWY

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 103.10%
• 6M: 117.85%
• 1Y: 198.25%
• 3Y*: 46.46%
• 5Y*: 18.80%
• 10Y*: 16.84%

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

EFV vs. EWY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	10.56%	42.22%	5.35%	18.85%	-5.22%	11.08%	-2.97%	15.80%	-14.67%	21.22%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	103.10%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%

Correlation

The correlation between EFV and EWY is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2005	0.68

The correlation between EFV and EWY shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EFV vs. EWY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFV	EWY
Financial Services	37.3%	9.6%
Industrials	9.6%	20.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	1.7%
Healthcare	7.4%	3.5%
Energy	6.8%	1.4%
Basic Materials	6.5%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	5.7%
Utilities	5.7%	0.4%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.9%
Technology	3.2%	52.4%
Real Estate	2.7%	-

Return for Risk

EFV vs. EWY — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 64
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

EFV vs. EWY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). 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.

	EFV	EWY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	4.29	-2.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	4.08	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.59	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	8.65	-6.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.40	30.24	-20.84

EFV vs. EWY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is lower than the EWY Sharpe Ratio of 4.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFV and EWY, 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

EFV vs. EWY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFV drawdown since its inception was -63.94%, smaller than the maximum EWY drawdown of -74.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFV and EWY.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFV	EWY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.94%	-74.14%	+10.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.90%	-23.08%	+12.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.72%	-27.36%	+13.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.84%	-48.55%	+22.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.16%	-49.73%	+6.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-8.88%	+7.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.81%	-20.11%	+5.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	6.59%	-3.63%

Volatility

EFV vs. EWY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) is 4.62%, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a volatility of 25.64%. This indicates that EFV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFV	EWY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	25.64%	-21.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.98%	42.65%	-30.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.58%	46.51%	-31.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.02%	30.15%	-14.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.85%	28.06%	-10.21%

EFV vs. EWY - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than EWY's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFV vs. EWY - Dividend Comparison

EFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.76%, more than EWY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	3.76%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	1.03%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFV and EWY in my portfolio?

EFV and EWY have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFV or EWY?

EWY has higher volatility (25.64%) compared to EFV (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFV dropped -63.94% vs EWY's -74.14%.

Which ETF is better, EFV or EWY?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 16.84% vs 10.55% for EFV. On fees, EFV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, EFV has been the lower-risk option at 4.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFV or EWY?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 16.84% return vs 10.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFV or EWY?

EFV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFV or EWY?

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 3.76%, compared with 1.03% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EFV and EWY?

EFV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while EWY is Asia Pacific Equities. EFV tracks MSCI EAFE Value Index (Net), while EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for EFV and 0.59% for EWY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.29 vs 1.90), 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.