EIRL vs. EZA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EIRL (iShares MSCI Ireland ETF) and EZA (iShares MSCI South Africa ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EIRL is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while EZA is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI South Africa Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EIRL returned 9.18%/yr vs 8.12%/yr for EZA. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EIRL charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EZA.

Performance

EIRL vs. EZA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) and iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EIRL achieves a 6.90% return, which is significantly higher than EZA's -2.81% return. Over the past 10 years, EIRL has outperformed EZA with an annualized return of 9.18%, while EZA has yielded a comparatively lower 8.12% annualized return.

EIRL

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 6.93%
• YTD: 6.90%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 20.32%
• 3Y*: 13.90%
• 5Y*: 7.25%
• 10Y*: 9.18%

EZA

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -5.12%
• YTD: -2.81%
• 6M: 2.77%
• 1Y: 33.90%
• 3Y*: 23.45%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: 8.12%

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

EIRL vs. EZA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	6.90%	28.82%	-1.64%	35.13%	-18.83%	13.72%	9.63%	28.15%	-21.92%	29.82%
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	-2.81%	75.20%	7.16%	1.51%	-5.18%	7.91%	-5.19%	9.83%	-25.24%	36.03%

Correlation

The correlation between EIRL and EZA is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2010	0.51

The correlation between EIRL and EZA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

EIRL vs. EZA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EIRL	EZA
Financial Services	34.0%	32.1%
Industrials	24.8%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	14.6%	2.4%
Healthcare	10.2%	1.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	14.7%
Energy	4.8%	-
Real Estate	2.1%	1.6%
Basic Materials	0.5%	39.7%
Technology	0.3%	-
Communication Services	-	6.7%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

EIRL vs. EZA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIRL

EIRL Risk / Return Rank: 32
EIRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
EIRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EIRL Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EIRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
EIRL Martin Ratio Rank: 32

EZA

EZA Risk / Return Rank: 29
EZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
EZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
EZA Omega Ratio Rank: 30
EZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
EZA Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

EIRL vs. EZA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) and iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA). 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.

	EIRL	EZA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	0.95	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	1.41	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.18	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.31	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.25	3.41	+0.84

EIRL vs. EZA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIRL Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is comparable to the EZA Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIRL and EZA, 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

EIRL vs. EZA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIRL drawdown since its inception was -46.48%, smaller than the maximum EZA drawdown of -64.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIRL and EZA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIRL	EZA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.48%	-64.64%	+18.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.28%	-23.31%	+9.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.04%	-23.31%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.14%	-34.94%	-5.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.48%	-62.25%	+15.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-18.05%	+18.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.09%	-16.92%	+7.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	8.93%	-4.58%

Volatility

EIRL vs. EZA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) is 4.78%, while iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) has a volatility of 11.34%. This indicates that EIRL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EZA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EIRL	EZA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	11.34%	-6.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.05%	27.03%	-11.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.21%	31.92%	-13.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	28.86%	-7.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.74%	31.43%	-9.69%

EIRL vs. EZA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EIRL has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than EZA's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EIRL vs. EZA - Dividend Comparison

EIRL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%, less than EZA's 6.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	2.53%	2.71%	2.56%	1.00%	1.13%	0.82%	0.50%	2.11%	1.52%	1.44%	1.34%	1.70%
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	6.34%	6.16%	7.26%	2.84%	3.90%	2.05%	5.51%	12.27%	3.81%	1.55%	4.10%	3.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EIRL and EZA in my portfolio?

EIRL and EZA have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIRL or EZA?

EZA has higher volatility (11.34%) compared to EIRL (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIRL dropped -46.48% vs EZA's -64.64%.

Which ETF is better, EIRL or EZA?

On 10-year performance, EIRL leads with 9.18% vs 8.12% for EZA. On fees, EIRL is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EIRL has been the lower-risk option at 4.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EIRL or EZA?

Over the 10-year period, EIRL has performed better with a 9.18% return vs 8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EIRL or EZA?

EIRL is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EZA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EIRL or EZA?

EZA has the higher dividend yield at 6.34%, compared with 2.53% for EIRL.

What is the main difference between EIRL and EZA?

EIRL is categorized as Europe Equities, while EZA is Emerging Markets Equities. EIRL tracks MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while EZA tracks MSCI South Africa Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EIRL and 0.59% for EZA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EIRL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 vs 0.95), 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.