ESGD vs. EZA

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ESGD (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF) and EZA (iShares MSCI South Africa ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index, while EZA is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI South Africa Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGD returned 8.05%/yr vs 9.54%/yr for EZA. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESGD charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EZA.

Performance

ESGD vs. EZA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) 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, ESGD achieves a 8.13% return, which is significantly higher than EZA's -7.64% return.

ESGD

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 8.13%
• 6M: 7.64%
• 1Y: 19.32%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 8.05%
• 10Y*: —

EZA

• 1D: -2.74%
• 1M: -5.60%
• YTD: -7.64%
• 6M: -9.12%
• 1Y: 25.36%
• 3Y*: 23.33%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: 7.44%

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

ESGD vs. EZA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESGD iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF	8.13%	29.63%	3.95%	18.53%	-15.17%	11.79%	8.20%	23.12%	-13.33%	25.10%
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	-7.64%	75.20%	7.16%	1.51%	-5.18%	7.91%	-5.19%	9.83%	-25.24%	36.03%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGD and EZA is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2016	0.64

The correlation between ESGD and EZA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGD vs. EZA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGD	EZA
Financial Services	26.6%	33.5%
Industrials	18.4%	1.5%
Technology	13.2%	-
Healthcare	9.5%	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	14.3%
Basic Materials	5.6%	39.0%
Communication Services	4.2%	6.5%
Utilities	3.6%	-
Energy	3.4%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	1.6%

Return for Risk

ESGD vs. EZA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGD

ESGD Risk / Return Rank: 38
ESGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ESGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
ESGD Omega Ratio Rank: 37
ESGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ESGD Martin Ratio Rank: 41

EZA

EZA Risk / Return Rank: 24
EZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
EZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
EZA Omega Ratio Rank: 24
EZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
EZA Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

ESGD vs. EZA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) 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.

	ESGD	EZA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	0.79	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	1.23	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.16	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	1.09	+0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.19	2.71	+3.49

ESGD vs. EZA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGD Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is higher than the EZA Sharpe Ratio of 0.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGD 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

ESGD vs. EZA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGD drawdown since its inception was -33.70%, smaller than the maximum EZA drawdown of -64.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGD and EZA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGD	EZA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.70%	-64.64%	+30.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.68%	-23.31%	+11.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.86%	-23.31%	+9.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	-34.94%	+4.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-62.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.26%	-22.13%	+19.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-16.92%	+10.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	9.39%	-6.26%

Volatility

ESGD vs. EZA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) is 5.48%, while iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) has a volatility of 11.36%. This indicates that ESGD 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

	ESGD	EZA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	11.36%	-5.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.44%	27.46%	-14.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.85%	32.18%	-16.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.71%	28.92%	-12.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	31.28%	-14.28%

ESGD vs. EZA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGD has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than EZA's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGD vs. EZA - Dividend Comparison

ESGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, less than EZA's 8.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESGD iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF	3.38%	3.60%	3.23%	3.02%	2.59%	2.75%	1.63%	2.57%	2.69%	2.65%	0.09%	0.00%
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	8.11%	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 ESGD and EZA in my portfolio?

ESGD and EZA have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGD or EZA?

EZA has higher volatility (11.36%) compared to ESGD (5.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGD dropped -33.70% vs EZA's -64.64%.

Which ETF is better, ESGD or EZA?

On 5-year performance, EZA leads with 9.54% vs 8.05% for ESGD. On fees, ESGD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, ESGD has been the lower-risk option at 5.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGD or EZA?

Over the 5-year period, EZA has performed better with a 9.54% return vs 8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGD or EZA?

ESGD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EZA.

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

EZA has the higher dividend yield at 8.11%, compared with 3.38% for ESGD.

What is the main difference between ESGD and EZA?

ESGD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while EZA is Emerging Markets Equities. ESGD tracks MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index, while EZA tracks MSCI South Africa Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for ESGD and 0.59% for EZA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.79), 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.