HDEF vs. EFAV

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HDEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF) and EFAV (iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - HDEF tracks the MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield US Dollar Hedged Index while EFAV tracks the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HDEF returned 8.59%/yr vs 5.92%/yr for EFAV. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

HDEF vs. EFAV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) 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, HDEF achieves a 4.87% return, which is significantly higher than EFAV's 4.42% return. Over the past 10 years, HDEF has outperformed EFAV with an annualized return of 8.59%, while EFAV has yielded a comparatively lower 5.92% annualized return.

HDEF

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 4.87%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 16.55%
• 3Y*: 16.85%
• 5Y*: 10.01%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

EFAV

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 4.42%
• 6M: 5.83%
• 1Y: 9.78%
• 3Y*: 13.24%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 5.92%

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

HDEF vs. EFAV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	4.87%	33.01%	2.85%	18.53%	-2.51%	6.95%	-1.90%	25.02%	-13.74%	9.89%
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	4.42%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	-15.11%	7.20%	-0.06%	16.67%	-5.74%	22.24%

Correlation

The correlation between HDEF and EFAV is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 19, 2015	0.74

The correlation between HDEF and EFAV shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (all time) to 0.91 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HDEF vs. EFAV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HDEF	EFAV
Financial Services	26.9%	19.9%
Consumer Defensive	17.9%	11.5%
Healthcare	14.0%	12.4%
Energy	13.8%	8.2%
Industrials	8.8%	15.1%
Utilities	8.4%	9.1%
Communication Services	4.0%	9.7%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	5.2%
Real Estate	0.9%	2.9%
Basic Materials	0.7%	1.6%
Technology	0.6%	4.5%

Return for Risk

HDEF vs. EFAV — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDEF

HDEF Risk / Return Rank: 41
HDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
HDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
HDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 41
HDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
HDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 41

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 28
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 26
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
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.

HDEF vs. EFAV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) 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.

	HDEF	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	0.95	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	1.38	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.17	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	1.52	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.36	4.22	+2.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HDEF vs. EFAV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is higher than the EFAV Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDEF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HDEF	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.42	0.95	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.54	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.45	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.54	-0.08

Drawdowns

HDEF vs. EFAV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDEF drawdown since its inception was -36.43%, which is greater than EFAV's maximum drawdown of -27.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDEF and EFAV.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDEF	EFAV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.43%	-27.56%	-8.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.03%	-6.46%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.15%	-8.75%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.63%	-27.46%	+3.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.43%	-27.56%	-8.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.89%	-5.07%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.04%	-4.77%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	2.32%	+0.29%

Volatility

HDEF vs. EFAV - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) has a higher volatility of 3.72% compared to iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF (EFAV) at 3.14%. This indicates that HDEF'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

	HDEF	EFAV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	3.14%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.22%	8.19%	+1.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.68%	10.32%	+1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.14%	11.79%	+2.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.24%	13.21%	+3.03%

HDEF vs. EFAV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HDEF and EFAV have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

HDEF vs. EFAV - Dividend Comparison

HDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.62%, more than EFAV's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF	3.06%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	3.62%	3.88%	4.53%	4.38%	5.41%	4.76%	3.93%	4.20%	3.55%	3.38%	9.53%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDEF and EFAV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, HDEF and EFAV 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, HDEF or EFAV?

HDEF has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to EFAV (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDEF dropped -36.43% vs EFAV's -27.56%.

Which ETF is better, HDEF or EFAV?

On 10-year performance, HDEF leads with 8.59% vs 5.92% for EFAV. Both ETFs have the same 0.20% expense ratio. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDEF or EFAV?

Over the 10-year period, HDEF has performed better with a 8.59% return vs 5.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDEF or EFAV?

HDEF and EFAV have the same expense ratio: 0.20% per year.

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

HDEF has the higher dividend yield at 3.62%, compared with 3.06% for EFAV.

What is the main difference between HDEF and EFAV?

HDEF tracks MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield US Dollar Hedged Index, while EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 0.95), 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.