GSID vs. IEFA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

GSID (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - GSID tracks the Solactive GBS Developed Markets ex North America Large & Mid Cap Index while IEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Investable Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSID returned 8.49%/yr vs 8.44%/yr for IEFA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GSID charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.

Performance

GSID vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF (GSID) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with GSID having a 9.52% return and IEFA slightly higher at 9.71%.

GSID

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 21.95%
• 3Y*: 16.86%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: —

IEFA

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 12.86%
• 1Y: 21.97%
• 3Y*: 17.03%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: 9.31%

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

GSID vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GSID Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF	9.52%	31.77%	3.60%	17.63%	-14.77%	10.67%	35.83%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	9.71%	32.08%	3.26%	17.95%	-15.24%	11.63%	36.46%

Correlation

The correlation between GSID and IEFA is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2020	0.98

The correlation between GSID and IEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSID vs. IEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSID	IEFA
Financial Services	24.1%	22.5%
Industrials	19.8%	20.1%
Technology	10.4%	10.8%
Healthcare	10.4%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	6.6%
Basic Materials	6.1%	7.0%
Communication Services	4.5%	4.4%
Energy	4.2%	3.8%
Utilities	3.9%	3.6%
Real Estate	2.2%	3.0%

Return for Risk

GSID vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSID

GSID Risk / Return Rank: 42
GSID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
GSID Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GSID Omega Ratio Rank: 40
GSID Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
GSID Martin Ratio Rank: 46

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

GSID vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF (GSID) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). 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.

	GSID	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.48	-0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.13	-0.01
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.03	+0.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.65	7.77	-0.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSID vs. IEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSID Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the IEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSID and IEFA, 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

	GSID	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	1.48	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.51	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.51	+0.37

Drawdowns

GSID vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSID drawdown since its inception was -29.89%, smaller than the maximum IEFA drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSID and IEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSID	IEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.89%	-34.78%	+4.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.34%	-11.50%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.96%	-13.76%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.89%	-30.41%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-0.42%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.73%	-6.69%	+0.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.01%	+0.03%

Volatility

GSID vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF (GSID) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) have volatilities of 4.99% and 5.00%, 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

	GSID	IEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	5.00%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.53%	12.41%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	14.97%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	16.50%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.30%	17.30%	-1.00%

GSID vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSID has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than IEFA's 0.07% 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

GSID vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison

GSID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.42%, less than IEFA's 3.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSID Goldman Sachs MarketBeta International Equity ETF	2.42%	2.64%	2.90%	2.59%	2.57%	2.93%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	3.24%	3.55%	3.47%	3.20%	2.70%	3.32%	1.90%	3.18%	3.46%	2.57%	2.96%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSID and IEFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, GSID and IEFA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, GSID or IEFA?

IEFA has higher volatility (5.00%) compared to GSID (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSID dropped -29.89% vs IEFA's -34.78%.

Which ETF is better, GSID or IEFA?

On 5-year performance, GSID leads with 8.49% vs 8.44% for IEFA. On fees, IEFA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSID or IEFA?

Over the 5-year period, GSID has performed better with a 8.49% return vs 8.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSID or IEFA?

IEFA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for GSID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSID or IEFA?

IEFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 2.42% for GSID.

What is the main difference between GSID and IEFA?

GSID tracks Solactive GBS Developed Markets ex North America Large & Mid Cap Index, while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE Investable Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GSID and 0.07% for IEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.46), 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.