GSIE vs. HEFA

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

GSIE (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF) and HEFA (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - GSIE tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index while HEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSIE returned 9.39%/yr vs 12.70%/yr for HEFA. Their correlation of 0.86 means they have usually moved in the same direction. GSIE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for HEFA.

Performance

GSIE vs. HEFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSIE achieves a 8.75% return, which is significantly lower than HEFA's 13.57% return. Over the past 10 years, GSIE has underperformed HEFA with an annualized return of 9.39%, while HEFA has yielded a comparatively higher 12.70% annualized return.

GSIE

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 8.75%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: 15.96%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 9.39%
• ALL TIME*: 8.80%

HEFA

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 0.73%
• 6M: 10.08%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 1Y: 26.09%
• 3Y*: 18.91%
• 5Y*: 13.96%
• 10Y*: 12.70%
• ALL TIME*: 10.79%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	$16.98M	$19.56M	$19.60M
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	$39.23M	$30.73M	$26.09M

GSIE vs. HEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	8.75%	32.53%	5.23%	16.99%	-15.86%	13.27%	7.45%	22.83%	-13.40%	26.22%
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	13.57%	24.58%	13.71%	20.33%	-4.86%	19.59%	2.09%	27.63%	-9.33%	16.67%

Correlation

The correlation between GSIE and HEFA is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2015	0.86

The correlation between GSIE and HEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSIE vs. HEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSIE	HEFA
Financial Services	27.3%	25.9%
Industrials	18.6%	18.9%
Technology	10.6%	12.0%
Healthcare	9.6%	10.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.5%	6.8%
Basic Materials	5.4%	5.9%
Energy	4.2%	3.7%
Communication Services	3.8%	3.5%
Utilities	3.3%	3.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.7%

Return for Risk

GSIE vs. HEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSIE

GSIE Risk / Return Rank: 48
GSIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
GSIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GSIE Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GSIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
GSIE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

HEFA

HEFA Risk / Return Rank: 83
HEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
HEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
HEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 86
HEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
HEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

GSIE vs. HEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA). 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.

	GSIE	HEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	2.03	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.81	-1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.37	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.77	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.99	11.52	-5.54

GSIE vs. HEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the HEFA Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSIE and HEFA, 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

GSIE vs. HEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSIE drawdown since its inception was -34.63%, which is greater than HEFA's maximum drawdown of -32.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSIE and HEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSIE	HEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.63%	-32.39%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	-9.52%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.07%	-14.28%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-14.79%	-15.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.63%	-32.39%	-2.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-1.12%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-4.13%	-1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.29%	+0.55%

Volatility

GSIE vs. HEFA - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) has a higher volatility of 3.56% compared to iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) at 3.21%. This indicates that GSIE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSIE	HEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.56%	3.21%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.39%	10.72%	+1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.49%	13.05%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	13.82%	+2.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.49%	15.66%	+0.83%

GSIE vs. HEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSIE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than HEFA's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSIE vs. HEFA - Dividend Comparison

GSIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, less than HEFA's 4.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	2.56%	2.65%	3.11%	2.87%	3.01%	2.40%	1.60%	2.80%	2.68%	2.31%	2.15%	0.13%
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	4.04%	4.40%	3.09%	3.02%	25.14%	3.06%	2.10%	7.56%	4.58%	2.55%	3.17%	3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSIE and HEFA in my portfolio?

GSIE and HEFA have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSIE or HEFA?

GSIE has higher volatility (3.56%) compared to HEFA (3.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSIE dropped -34.63% vs HEFA's -32.39%.

Which ETF is better, GSIE or HEFA?

On 10-year performance, HEFA leads with 12.70% vs 9.39% for GSIE. On fees, GSIE is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HEFA has been the lower-risk option at 3.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSIE or HEFA?

Over the 10-year period, HEFA has performed better with a 12.70% return vs 9.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSIE or HEFA?

GSIE is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for HEFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSIE or HEFA?

HEFA has the higher dividend yield at 4.04%, compared with 2.56% for GSIE.

What is the main difference between GSIE and HEFA?

GSIE tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index, while HEFA tracks MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for GSIE and 0.35% for HEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.17), 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.