IQSI vs. DMXF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IQSI (IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF) and DMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IQSI tracks the IQ Candriam ESG International Equity Index while DMXF tracks the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IQSI returned 7.66%/yr vs 6.83%/yr for DMXF. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQSI charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DMXF.

Performance

IQSI vs. DMXF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQSI achieves a 9.26% return, which is significantly lower than DMXF's 11.52% return.

IQSI

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 4.63%
• YTD: 9.26%
• 6M: 11.32%
• 1Y: 19.37%
• 3Y*: 15.29%
• 5Y*: 7.66%
• 10Y*: —

DMXF

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 5.69%
• YTD: 11.52%
• 6M: 13.01%
• 1Y: 19.38%
• 3Y*: 14.81%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

IQSI vs. DMXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	9.26%	26.95%	4.84%	16.21%	-14.76%	12.70%	20.37%
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	11.52%	22.07%	3.99%	20.52%	-19.25%	10.90%	23.13%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSI and DMXF is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2020	0.94

The correlation between IQSI and DMXF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQSI vs. DMXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQSI	DMXF
Financial Services	22.2%	31.6%
Industrials	16.8%	16.3%
Technology	15.9%	18.3%
Healthcare	13.2%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	2.3%
Basic Materials	5.6%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.1%	7.0%
Utilities	4.0%	0.6%
Real Estate	2.3%	3.9%
Energy	0.9%	-

Return for Risk

IQSI vs. DMXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSI

IQSI Risk / Return Rank: 35
IQSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IQSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
IQSI Omega Ratio Rank: 34
IQSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IQSI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

DMXF

DMXF Risk / Return Rank: 34
DMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

IQSI vs. DMXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF). 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.

	IQSI	DMXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.21	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	1.80	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	1.64	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.94	6.16	-0.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQSI vs. DMXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the DMXF Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSI and DMXF, 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

	IQSI	DMXF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	1.21	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.39	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.65	-0.15

Drawdowns

IQSI vs. DMXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSI drawdown since its inception was -31.90%, smaller than the maximum DMXF drawdown of -34.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSI and DMXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSI	DMXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.90%	-34.52%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-11.84%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.02%	-16.54%	+2.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.86%	-34.52%	+4.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-0.56%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.50%	-7.67%	+1.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	3.15%	+0.12%

Volatility

IQSI vs. DMXF - Volatility Comparison

IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) have volatilities of 4.89% and 5.13%, 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

	IQSI	DMXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	5.13%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.58%	13.29%	-0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.22%	16.07%	-0.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.32%	17.68%	-1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.00%	17.25%	+1.75%

IQSI vs. DMXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSI has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than DMXF's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IQSI vs. DMXF - Dividend Comparison

IQSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, less than DMXF's 4.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	4.35%	4.85%	2.92%	2.29%	2.37%	1.91%	0.31%
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	2.50%	2.75%	2.79%	2.98%	2.89%	2.75%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSI and DMXF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IQSI and DMXF 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, IQSI or DMXF?

DMXF has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to IQSI (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSI dropped -31.90% vs DMXF's -34.52%.

Which ETF is better, IQSI or DMXF?

On 5-year performance, IQSI leads with 7.66% vs 6.83% for DMXF. On fees, DMXF is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, IQSI has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSI or DMXF?

Over the 5-year period, IQSI has performed better with a 7.66% return vs 6.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSI or DMXF?

DMXF is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for IQSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQSI or DMXF?

DMXF has the higher dividend yield at 4.35%, compared with 2.50% for IQSI.

What is the main difference between IQSI and DMXF?

IQSI tracks IQ Candriam ESG International Equity Index, while DMXF tracks MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index. They also come from different issuers: New York Life and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSI and 0.12% for DMXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 1.21), 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.