EIS vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EIS (iShares MSCI Israel ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from iShares - EIS tracks the MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index (Net) while EFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EIS returned 11.97%/yr vs 9.11%/yr for EFA. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EIS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

EIS vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EIS achieves a 18.19% return, which is significantly higher than EFA's 8.42% return. Over the past 10 years, EIS has outperformed EFA with an annualized return of 11.97%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively lower 9.11% annualized return.

EIS

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 18.19%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 54.91%
• 3Y*: 37.61%
• 5Y*: 15.32%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

EFA

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 21.06%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

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

EIS vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIS iShares MSCI Israel ETF	18.19%	45.11%	34.50%	5.48%	-27.05%	22.83%	12.01%	20.93%	-4.84%	12.77%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.42%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between EIS and EFA is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2008	0.65

The correlation between EIS and EFA shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.65 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EIS vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EIS	EFA
Financial Services	34.6%	24.6%
Technology	17.8%	10.4%
Industrials	10.9%	19.9%
Healthcare	9.8%	10.6%
Real Estate	9.1%	1.9%
Utilities	6.6%	4.0%
Communication Services	2.7%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	2.5%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	6.7%
Energy	2.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	5.9%

Return for Risk

EIS vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIS

EIS Risk / Return Rank: 76
EIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
EIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
EIS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
EIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EIS Martin Ratio Rank: 82

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 39
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

EIS vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

	EIS	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.41	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	2.04	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.26	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.45	1.85	+2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.54	6.94	+9.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EIS vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIS Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIS and EFA, 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

	EIS	EFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45	1.41	+1.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.51	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	0.53	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.31	+0.02

Drawdowns

EIS vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIS drawdown since its inception was -51.94%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIS and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIS	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.94%	-61.04%	+9.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.40%	-11.42%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.10%	-14.05%	-10.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.88%	-29.53%	-12.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.88%	-34.19%	-7.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.56%	-1.46%	-4.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.90%	-11.93%	-1.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	3.04%	+0.29%

Volatility

EIS vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) has a higher volatility of 6.64% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) at 4.98%. This indicates that EIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EIS	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.64%	4.98%	+1.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.05%	12.51%	+3.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.56%	15.05%	+7.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.81%	16.48%	+5.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.08%	17.26%	+3.82%

EIS vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EIS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EIS vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

EIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than EFA's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.12%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
EIS iShares MSCI Israel ETF	1.22%	1.44%	1.38%	1.39%	1.66%	1.04%	0.16%	2.06%	0.87%	2.02%	1.78%	2.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EIS and EFA in my portfolio?

EIS and EFA have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIS or EFA?

EIS has higher volatility (6.64%) compared to EFA (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIS dropped -51.94% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, EIS or EFA?

On 10-year performance, EIS leads with 11.97% vs 9.11% for EFA. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EIS or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, EIS has performed better with a 11.97% return vs 9.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EIS or EFA?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EIS or EFA?

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.12%, compared with 1.22% for EIS.

What is the main difference between EIS and EFA?

EIS tracks MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index (Net), while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EIS and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.41), 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.