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IEFA vs. MA
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

IEFA vs. MA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) is Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net), while MA (Mastercard Incorporated) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, IEFA returned 9.90%/yr vs 18.64%/yr for MA. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

IEFA vs. MA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and Mastercard Incorporated (MA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEFA achieves a 9.51% return, which is significantly higher than MA's -13.89% return. Over the past 10 years, IEFA has underperformed MA with an annualized return of 9.90%, while MA has yielded a comparatively higher 18.64% annualized return.

IEFA

1D
0.18%
1M
1.09%
YTD
9.51%
6M
11.08%
1Y
22.43%
3Y*
16.31%
5Y*
8.10%
10Y*
9.90%

MA

1D
0.71%
1M
0.01%
YTD
-13.89%
6M
-14.05%
1Y
-12.30%
3Y*
10.32%
5Y*
6.66%
10Y*
18.64%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IEFA vs. MA - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
IEFA
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF		9.51%32.08%3.26%17.95%-15.24%11.63%8.18%22.64%-14.14%26.57%
MA
Mastercard Incorporated		-13.89%9.04%24.17%23.40%-2.66%1.16%20.19%59.16%25.31%47.69%

Correlation

The correlation between IEFA and MA is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.22

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.34

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.49

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.54

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012

0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between IEFA and MA has dropped to 0.22 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

Mastercard Incorporated

Often compared with IEFA:
IEFA vs. VEAIEFA vs. VXUSIEFA vs. EFAIEFA vs. FSPSXIEFA vs. IEMGIEFA vs. XEF.TOIEFA vs. IXUS
Often compared with MA:
MA vs. VMA vs. AXPMA vs. SPYMA vs. MSFTMA vs. MCDMA vs. BRK-BMA vs. COST

Return for Risk

IEFA vs. MA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
IEFA
IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 4444
Overall Rank
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4444
Sharpe Ratio Rank
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 4444
Sortino Ratio Rank
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 4343
Omega Ratio Rank
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 4242
Calmar Ratio Rank
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 4848
Martin Ratio Rank
MA
MA Risk / Return Rank: 1111
Overall Rank
MA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1212
Sharpe Ratio Rank
MA Sortino Ratio Rank: 1414
Sortino Ratio Rank
MA Omega Ratio Rank: 1414
Omega Ratio Rank
MA Calmar Ratio Rank: 1313
Calmar Ratio Rank
MA Martin Ratio Rank: 55
Martin Ratio Rank
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.

IEFA vs. MA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and Mastercard Incorporated (MA). 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.

IEFAMADifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
1.35
-0.74

+2.09

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
1.97
-0.91

+2.87

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.25

0.89

+0.36

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

1.83

-0.79

+2.61

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

6.93

-1.59

+8.52

IEFA vs. MA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is higher than the MA Sharpe Ratio of -0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEFA and MA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Drawdowns

IEFA vs. MA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEFA drawdown since its inception was -34.78%, smaller than the maximum MA drawdown of -62.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEFA and MA.

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Drawdown Indicators

IEFAMADifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-34.78%

-62.67%

+27.89%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-11.50%

-20.91%

+9.41%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-13.76%

-20.91%

+7.15%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-30.41%

-28.25%

-2.16%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-34.78%

-41.00%

+6.22%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-0.60%

-17.82%

+17.22%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-6.68%

-9.82%

+3.14%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

3.03%

10.48%

-7.45%

Volatility

IEFA vs. MA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is 5.50%, while Mastercard Incorporated (MA) has a volatility of 6.46%. This indicates that IEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

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Volatility by Period

IEFAMADifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

5.50%

6.46%

-0.96%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

13.11%

17.51%

-4.40%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

15.54%

22.34%

-6.80%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

16.61%

24.01%

-7.40%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

17.31%

26.92%

-9.61%

Dividends

IEFA vs. MA - Dividend Comparison

IEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, more than MA's 0.67% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
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%
MA
Mastercard Incorporated		0.67%0.53%0.50%0.53%0.56%0.49%0.45%0.44%0.53%0.58%0.74%0.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

IEFA and MA have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

MA has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to IEFA (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEFA dropped -34.78% vs MA's -62.67%.

IEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs -0.74), 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.

Portfolio Optimizer

Find the right allocation for IEFA and MA

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