FICS vs. QEFA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FICS (First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF) and QEFA (SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FICS is a Global Equities fund tracking the The International Developed Capital Strength Index, while QEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FICS returned 5.56%/yr vs 7.96%/yr for QEFA. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FICS charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for QEFA.

Performance

FICS vs. QEFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) and SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FICS achieves a 3.77% return, which is significantly lower than QEFA's 7.17% return.

FICS

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: 9.36%
• 3Y*: 10.94%
• 5Y*: 5.56%
• 10Y*: —

QEFA

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 7.17%
• 6M: 7.55%
• 1Y: 18.76%
• 3Y*: 15.05%
• 5Y*: 7.96%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

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

FICS vs. QEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FICS First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF	3.77%	20.44%	2.59%	18.07%	-19.47%	19.78%	2.47%
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	7.17%	29.25%	2.27%	17.40%	-14.03%	12.50%	1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between FICS and QEFA is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2020	0.85

The correlation between FICS and QEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

FICS vs. QEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FICS	QEFA
Financial Services	28.3%	14.3%
Industrials	27.9%	9.1%
Consumer Defensive	13.8%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	6.2%
Healthcare	9.9%	11.4%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.9%
Communication Services	3.8%	3.2%
Energy	3.1%	4.3%
Technology	1.9%	10.5%
Real Estate	-	1.7%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

FICS vs. QEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FICS

FICS Risk / Return Rank: 20
FICS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FICS Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FICS Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FICS Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FICS Martin Ratio Rank: 21

QEFA

QEFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
QEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
QEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
QEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
QEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
QEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

FICS vs. QEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) and SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA). 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.

	FICS	QEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.71	1.45	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	2.08	-0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.26	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.91	1.97	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.59	6.97	-4.38

FICS vs. QEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FICS Sharpe Ratio is 0.71, which is lower than the QEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FICS and QEFA, 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

FICS vs. QEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FICS drawdown since its inception was -29.16%, smaller than the maximum QEFA drawdown of -31.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FICS and QEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FICS	QEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.16%	-31.71%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.32%	-9.58%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.66%	-12.23%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.16%	-28.09%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-2.60%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.16%	-6.07%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	2.70%	+0.92%

Volatility

FICS vs. QEFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) is 3.38%, while SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) has a volatility of 3.64%. This indicates that FICS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FICS	QEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.64%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	10.60%	+0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	12.98%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.23%	14.81%	+2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	15.98%	+0.92%

FICS vs. QEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FICS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than QEFA's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

FICS vs. QEFA - Dividend Comparison

FICS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, less than QEFA's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FICS First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF	1.90%	1.85%	2.01%	1.02%	1.89%	1.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	2.86%	3.13%	3.17%	2.79%	3.02%	2.37%	1.82%	2.95%	3.22%	2.33%	2.01%	2.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FICS and QEFA in my portfolio?

FICS and QEFA have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FICS or QEFA?

QEFA has higher volatility (3.64%) compared to FICS (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FICS dropped -29.16% vs QEFA's -31.71%.

Which ETF is better, FICS or QEFA?

On 5-year performance, QEFA leads with 7.96% vs 5.56% for FICS. On fees, QEFA is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, FICS has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FICS or QEFA?

Over the 5-year period, QEFA has performed better with a 7.96% return vs 5.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FICS or QEFA?

QEFA is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FICS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FICS or QEFA?

QEFA has the higher dividend yield at 2.86%, compared with 1.90% for FICS.

What is the main difference between FICS and QEFA?

FICS is categorized as Global Equities, while QEFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. FICS tracks The International Developed Capital Strength Index, while QEFA tracks MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD). They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FICS and 0.30% for QEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 0.71), 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.