IQDG vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IQDG (WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IQDG tracks the WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Index while EFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQDG returned 7.63%/yr vs 9.11%/yr for EFA. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQDG charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

IQDG vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IQDG) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQDG achieves a 3.16% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.42% return. Over the past 10 years, IQDG has underperformed EFA with an annualized return of 7.63%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively higher 9.11% annualized return.

IQDG

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 3.16%
• 6M: 5.94%
• 1Y: 12.72%
• 3Y*: 10.23%
• 5Y*: 3.78%
• 10Y*: 7.63%

EFA

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 21.06%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 8.29%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

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

IQDG vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQDG WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund	3.16%	24.19%	-3.38%	20.76%	-19.97%	12.28%	16.58%	30.03%	-16.81%	30.64%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	8.42%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between IQDG and EFA is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2016	0.91

The correlation between IQDG and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQDG vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQDG	EFA
Industrials	24.7%	19.9%
Consumer Cyclical	19.3%	7.6%
Financial Services	15.5%	24.6%
Technology	9.9%	10.4%
Healthcare	9.7%	10.6%
Communication Services	5.8%	4.5%
Basic Materials	5.3%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	6.7%
Energy	4.2%	4.0%
Utilities	0.9%	4.0%
Real Estate	0.3%	1.9%

Return for Risk

IQDG vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQDG

IQDG Risk / Return Rank: 23
IQDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
IQDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
IQDG Omega Ratio Rank: 22
IQDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
IQDG Martin Ratio Rank: 25

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 39
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

IQDG vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IQDG) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

	IQDG	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	1.41	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	2.04	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.26	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	1.85	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.38	6.94	-3.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQDG vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQDG Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is lower than the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQDG and EFA, 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

	IQDG	EFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79	1.41	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21	0.51	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.53	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.31	+0.14

Drawdowns

IQDG vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQDG drawdown since its inception was -34.97%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQDG and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQDG	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.97%	-61.04%	+26.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.35%	-11.42%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.12%	-14.05%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.97%	-29.53%	-5.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.97%	-34.19%	-0.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.71%	-1.46%	-2.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.52%	-11.93%	+4.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.78%	3.04%	+0.74%

Volatility

IQDG vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IQDG) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) have volatilities of 5.18% and 4.98%, 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

	IQDG	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.18%	4.98%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.30%	12.51%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.18%	15.05%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	16.48%	+1.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.53%	17.26%	+0.27%

IQDG vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQDG has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQDG vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

IQDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, less than EFA's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.12%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
IQDG WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund	2.14%	2.28%	2.60%	1.76%	4.18%	2.67%	1.65%	1.95%	1.96%	1.71%	1.35%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQDG and EFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IQDG and EFA 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, IQDG or EFA?

IQDG has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to EFA (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQDG dropped -34.97% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, IQDG or EFA?

On 10-year performance, EFA leads with 9.11% vs 7.63% for IQDG. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQDG or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, EFA has performed better with a 9.11% return vs 7.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQDG or EFA?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for IQDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQDG or EFA?

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.12%, compared with 2.14% for IQDG.

What is the main difference between IQDG and EFA?

IQDG tracks WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IQDG and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 0.79), 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.