JIG vs. IEFA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

JIG (JPMorgan International Growth ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. JIG is actively managed, while IEFA is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JIG returned 4.07%/yr vs 8.44%/yr for IEFA. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JIG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.

Performance

JIG vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JIG achieves a 17.16% return, which is significantly higher than IEFA's 9.71% return.

JIG

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 5.67%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 6M: 18.97%
• 1Y: 26.25%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 4.07%
• 10Y*: —

IEFA

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.89%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 12.86%
• 1Y: 21.97%
• 3Y*: 17.03%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: 9.31%

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

JIG vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
JIG JPMorgan International Growth ETF	17.16%	20.10%	8.84%	13.00%	-30.57%	6.40%	40.92%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	9.71%	32.08%	3.26%	17.95%	-15.24%	11.63%	31.60%

Correlation

The correlation between JIG and IEFA is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2020	0.88

The correlation between JIG and IEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

JIG vs. IEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JIG	IEFA
Technology	23.0%	10.8%
Industrials	18.6%	20.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	8.0%
Financial Services	7.0%	22.5%
Basic Materials	3.8%	7.0%
Healthcare	3.1%	9.5%
Communication Services	2.7%	4.4%
Utilities	2.6%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	6.6%
Energy	0.7%	3.8%
Real Estate	0.6%	3.0%

Return for Risk

JIG vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

JIG

JIG Risk / Return Rank: 42
JIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
JIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
JIG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
JIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
JIG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

JIG vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan International Growth ETF (JIG) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). 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.

	JIG	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.48	-0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	2.13	-0.08
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.27	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	2.03	+0.09
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.06	7.77	+0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JIG vs. IEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the IEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JIG and IEFA, 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

	JIG	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.48	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	0.51	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.51	+0.03

Drawdowns

JIG vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JIG drawdown since its inception was -43.75%, which is greater than IEFA's maximum drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JIG and IEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	JIG	IEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.75%	-34.78%	-8.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.94%	-11.50%	-1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.04%	-13.76%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.75%	-30.41%	-13.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.42%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.80%	-6.69%	-10.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	3.01%	+0.39%

Volatility

JIG vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan International Growth ETF (JIG) has a higher volatility of 7.07% compared to iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) at 5.00%. This indicates that JIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JIG	IEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.07%	5.00%	+2.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.09%	12.41%	+3.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.47%	14.97%	+3.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.95%	16.50%	+2.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.04%	17.30%	+1.74%

JIG vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

JIG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than IEFA's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

JIG vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison

JIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.92%, less than IEFA's 3.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
JIG JPMorgan International Growth ETF	1.92%	2.25%	1.70%	1.69%	0.91%	1.35%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JIG and IEFA in my portfolio?

JIG and IEFA have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JIG or IEFA?

JIG has higher volatility (7.07%) compared to IEFA (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JIG dropped -43.75% vs IEFA's -34.78%.

Which ETF is better, JIG or IEFA?

On 5-year performance, IEFA leads with 8.44% vs 4.07% for JIG. On fees, IEFA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IEFA has been the lower-risk option at 5.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JIG or IEFA?

Over the 5-year period, IEFA has performed better with a 8.44% return vs 4.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JIG or IEFA?

IEFA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for JIG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JIG or IEFA?

IEFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 1.92% for JIG.

What is the main difference between JIG and IEFA?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for JIG and 0.07% for IEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.43), 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.