ESGE vs. EFAV

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

ESGE (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF) and EFAV (iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index, while EFAV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGE returned 7.48%/yr vs 6.05%/yr for EFAV. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESGE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for EFAV.

Performance

ESGE vs. EFAV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGE achieves a 27.56% return, which is significantly higher than EFAV's 4.26% return.

ESGE

• 1D: 2.95%
• 1M: 8.60%
• YTD: 27.56%
• 6M: 30.80%
• 1Y: 51.80%
• 3Y*: 22.81%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: —

EFAV

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 4.26%
• 6M: 4.77%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 12.45%
• 5Y*: 6.05%
• 10Y*: 6.30%

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

ESGE vs. EFAV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	27.56%	35.86%	6.63%	9.51%	-22.41%	-2.87%	18.60%	20.37%	-15.24%	38.86%
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	4.26%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	-15.11%	7.20%	-0.06%	16.67%	-5.74%	22.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGE and EFAV is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2016	0.63

The correlation between ESGE and EFAV shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESGE vs. EFAV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGE	EFAV
Technology	43.9%	4.6%
Financial Services	22.0%	19.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	5.0%
Communication Services	7.4%	9.6%
Industrials	5.7%	15.9%
Basic Materials	5.0%	1.5%
Healthcare	2.2%	12.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	11.9%
Energy	1.9%	8.3%
Utilities	1.3%	8.8%
Real Estate	1.0%	3.0%

Return for Risk

ESGE vs. EFAV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGE

ESGE Risk / Return Rank: 80
ESGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
ESGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
ESGE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
ESGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
ESGE Martin Ratio Rank: 79

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 29
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EFAV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

ESGE vs. EFAV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV). 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.

	ESGE	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	0.91	+1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	1.33	+1.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.17	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	1.48	+2.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.02	3.86	+10.16

ESGE vs. EFAV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGE Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is higher than the EFAV Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGE and EFAV, 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

ESGE vs. EFAV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGE drawdown since its inception was -41.07%, which is greater than EFAV's maximum drawdown of -27.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGE and EFAV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGE	EFAV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.07%	-27.56%	-13.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.90%	-6.46%	-7.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.71%	-8.75%	-7.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.18%	-27.46%	-11.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.68%	-5.21%	+4.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.43%	-4.77%	-9.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	2.47%	+1.23%

Volatility

ESGE vs. EFAV - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) has a higher volatility of 11.18% compared to iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) at 3.50%. This indicates that ESGE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFAV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGE	EFAV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.18%	3.50%	+7.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.61%	8.47%	+11.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.89%	10.56%	+11.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.50%	11.84%	+7.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.10%	13.20%	+6.90%

ESGE vs. EFAV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than EFAV's 0.20% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ESGE vs. EFAV - Dividend Comparison

ESGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than EFAV's 5.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	5.04%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	2.69%	2.50%	2.41%	2.64%	2.68%	2.66%	1.31%	2.59%	2.19%	1.86%	0.27%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGE and EFAV in my portfolio?

ESGE and EFAV have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGE or EFAV?

ESGE has higher volatility (11.18%) compared to EFAV (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGE dropped -41.07% vs EFAV's -27.56%.

Which ETF is better, ESGE or EFAV?

On 5-year performance, ESGE leads with 7.48% vs 6.05% for EFAV. On fees, EFAV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGE or EFAV?

Over the 5-year period, ESGE has performed better with a 7.48% return vs 6.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGE or EFAV?

EFAV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for ESGE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGE or EFAV?

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.69% for ESGE.

What is the main difference between ESGE and EFAV?

ESGE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EFAV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. ESGE tracks MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index, while EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for ESGE and 0.20% for EFAV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 0.91), 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.