HEFA vs. URA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

HEFA (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF) and URA (Global X Uranium ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index, while URA is a Uranium fund tracking the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HEFA returned 13.27%/yr vs 15.90%/yr for URA. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HEFA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for URA.

Performance

HEFA vs. URA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEFA achieves a 11.36% return, which is significantly higher than URA's 6.53% return. Over the past 10 years, HEFA has underperformed URA with an annualized return of 13.27%, while URA has yielded a comparatively higher 15.90% annualized return.

HEFA

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 11.36%
• 6M: 12.73%
• 1Y: 28.01%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 13.27%

URA

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -13.30%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 32.00%
• 3Y*: 32.17%
• 5Y*: 18.77%
• 10Y*: 15.90%

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

HEFA vs. URA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	11.36%	24.58%	13.71%	20.33%	-4.86%	19.59%	2.09%	27.63%	-9.33%	16.67%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	6.53%	67.18%	-0.58%	46.25%	-11.32%	57.57%	41.33%	-3.54%	-22.11%	19.36%

Correlation

The correlation between HEFA and URA is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2014	0.47

HEFA vs. URA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEFA	URA
Financial Services	24.9%	-
Industrials	18.4%	22.7%
Technology	12.7%	0.9%
Healthcare	10.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Basic Materials	6.2%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.5%	-
Energy	3.9%	64.2%
Utilities	3.4%	7.4%
Real Estate	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

HEFA vs. URA — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEFA

HEFA Risk / Return Rank: 72
HEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
HEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
HEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 75
HEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
HEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 73

URA

URA Risk / Return Rank: 23
URA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
URA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
URA Omega Ratio Rank: 23
URA Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
URA Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

HEFA vs. URA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). 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.

	HEFA	URA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	0.64	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	1.21	+1.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.14	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	1.04	+1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.78	2.30	+9.47

HEFA vs. URA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEFA Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is higher than the URA Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEFA and URA, 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

HEFA vs. URA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEFA drawdown since its inception was -32.39%, smaller than the maximum URA drawdown of -93.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEFA and URA.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEFA	URA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.39%	-93.54%	+61.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.52%	-31.48%	+21.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-37.81%	+23.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.79%	-37.90%	+23.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.39%	-61.45%	+29.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-48.34%	+48.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-74.94%	+70.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	14.12%	-11.84%

Volatility

HEFA vs. URA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is 4.55%, while Global X Uranium ETF (URA) has a volatility of 17.69%. This indicates that HEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than URA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEFA	URA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	17.69%	-13.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.68%	39.95%	-29.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.08%	51.24%	-38.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	43.96%	-30.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.86%	37.91%	-22.05%

HEFA vs. URA - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEFA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than URA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEFA vs. URA - Dividend Comparison

HEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, less than URA's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEFA iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF	3.95%	4.40%	3.09%	3.02%	25.14%	3.06%	2.10%	7.56%	4.58%	2.55%	3.17%	3.54%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	4.58%	4.88%	2.86%	6.07%	0.76%	5.84%	1.69%	1.66%	0.44%	2.03%	7.28%	1.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEFA and URA in my portfolio?

HEFA and URA have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEFA or URA?

URA has higher volatility (17.69%) compared to HEFA (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEFA dropped -32.39% vs URA's -93.54%.

Which ETF is better, HEFA or URA?

On 10-year performance, URA leads with 15.90% vs 13.27% for HEFA. On fees, HEFA is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, HEFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEFA or URA?

Over the 10-year period, URA has performed better with a 15.90% return vs 13.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEFA or URA?

HEFA is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for URA.

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

URA has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 3.95% for HEFA.

What is the main difference between HEFA and URA?

HEFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while URA is Uranium. HEFA tracks MSCI EAFE 100% Hedged to USD Index, while URA tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for HEFA and 0.69% for URA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 0.64), 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.