EWG vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWG (iShares MSCI Germany ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWG is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Germany Index, while EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWG returned 8.23%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for EFA. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EWG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

EWG vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) 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, EWG achieves a -1.64% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.38% return. Over the past 10 years, EWG has underperformed EFA with an annualized return of 8.23%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively higher 9.87% annualized return.

EWG

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -2.58%
• YTD: -1.64%
• 6M: -1.50%
• 1Y: 2.58%
• 3Y*: 15.95%
• 5Y*: 5.88%
• 10Y*: 8.23%

EFA

• 1D: -2.03%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 8.38%
• 6M: 8.09%
• 1Y: 21.83%
• 3Y*: 16.63%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

EWG vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWG iShares MSCI Germany ETF	-1.64%	35.79%	9.79%	23.35%	-22.27%	5.84%	10.09%	19.15%	-21.40%	27.42%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.38%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between EWG and EFA is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 17, 2001	0.89

The correlation between EWG and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWG vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWG	EFA
Industrials	29.9%	18.4%
Financial Services	20.6%	24.4%
Technology	16.3%	12.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	6.5%	4.5%
Healthcare	6.0%	10.1%
Basic Materials	5.5%	6.2%
Utilities	4.3%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	6.9%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.6%
Energy	-	3.7%

Return for Risk

EWG vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWG

EWG Risk / Return Rank: 10
EWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
EWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
EWG Omega Ratio Rank: 10
EWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
EWG Martin Ratio Rank: 11

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

EWG vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) 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.

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.

	EWG	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.15	1.40	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.33	2.02	-1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.26	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.18	1.92	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.52	7.16	-6.65

EWG vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWG Sharpe Ratio is 0.15, which is lower than the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWG 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.

Drawdowns

EWG vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWG drawdown since its inception was -67.57%, which is greater than EFA's maximum drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWG and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWG	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.57%	-61.04%	-6.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.54%	-11.42%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.81%	-14.05%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.59%	-29.53%	-13.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.80%	-34.19%	-12.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.19%	-2.03%	-4.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.17%	-11.91%	-7.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.01%	3.05%	+1.96%

Volatility

EWG vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) have volatilities of 5.20% and 5.30%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWG	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	5.30%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.63%	13.31%	+1.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.57%	15.65%	+1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.53%	16.58%	+3.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	17.03%	+3.81%

EWG vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWG vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

EWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.03%, less than EFA's 3.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.28%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
EWG iShares MSCI Germany ETF	2.03%	1.60%	2.38%	2.56%	3.24%	2.70%	1.67%	2.51%	2.93%	2.06%	2.35%	1.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWG and EFA in my portfolio?

EWG and EFA have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWG or EFA?

EFA has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to EWG (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWG dropped -67.57% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, EWG or EFA?

On 10-year performance, EFA leads with 9.87% vs 8.23% for EWG. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EWG has been the lower-risk option at 5.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWG or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, EFA has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 8.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWG or EFA?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWG.

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

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.28%, compared with 2.03% for EWG.

What is the main difference between EWG and EFA?

EWG is categorized as Europe Equities, while EFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. EWG tracks MSCI Germany Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWG and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 0.15), 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.