KOKU vs. EFG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KOKU (Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF) and EFG (iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KOKU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while EFG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KOKU returned 11.64%/yr vs 4.16%/yr for EFG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KOKU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for EFG.

Performance

KOKU vs. EFG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with KOKU having a 7.89% return and EFG slightly lower at 7.78%.

KOKU

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 7.89%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 11.64%
• 10Y*: —

EFG

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 7.78%
• 6M: 7.24%
• 1Y: 15.20%
• 3Y*: 11.33%
• 5Y*: 4.16%
• 10Y*: 8.64%

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

KOKU vs. EFG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	7.89%	21.45%	19.45%	24.23%	-17.83%	23.84%	42.72%
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	7.78%	20.70%	1.53%	17.55%	-23.12%	11.01%	41.95%

Correlation

The correlation between KOKU and EFG is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2020	0.84

The correlation between KOKU and EFG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

KOKU vs. EFG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KOKU	EFG
Technology	31.8%	20.3%
Financial Services	14.9%	11.3%
Industrials	10.1%	28.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	9.1%
Communication Services	8.9%	5.2%
Healthcare	8.8%	13.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	3.7%
Energy	4.0%	0.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	6.0%
Utilities	2.6%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.7%	0.7%

Return for Risk

KOKU vs. EFG — Risk / Return Rank

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

KOKU

KOKU Risk / Return Rank: 57
KOKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
KOKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
KOKU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
KOKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
KOKU Martin Ratio Rank: 64

EFG

EFG Risk / Return Rank: 26
EFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
EFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
EFG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
EFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
EFG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

KOKU vs. EFG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG). 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.

	KOKU	EFG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	0.84	+0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	1.30	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.16	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	1.19	+1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	4.39	+6.49

KOKU vs. EFG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KOKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is higher than the EFG Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KOKU and EFG, 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

KOKU vs. EFG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KOKU drawdown since its inception was -25.77%, smaller than the maximum EFG drawdown of -58.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KOKU and EFG.

Drawdown Indicators

	KOKU	EFG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-58.40%	+32.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-12.78%	+3.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.73%	-16.87%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.77%	-35.78%	+10.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-2.87%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.80%	-12.13%	+7.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	3.47%	-1.42%

Volatility

KOKU vs. EFG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is 4.71%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) has a volatility of 7.05%. This indicates that KOKU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KOKU	EFG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	7.05%	-2.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	15.65%	-5.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.57%	18.14%	-5.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.33%	-1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	17.59%	-0.75%

KOKU vs. EFG - Expense Ratio Comparison

KOKU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than EFG's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

KOKU vs. EFG - Dividend Comparison

KOKU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than EFG's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	2.29%	2.53%	1.64%	1.63%	1.27%	1.54%	0.85%	1.69%	1.98%	1.56%	2.20%	1.75%
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	1.45%	1.48%	1.63%	1.76%	1.98%	1.89%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KOKU and EFG in my portfolio?

KOKU and EFG have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KOKU or EFG?

EFG has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to KOKU (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KOKU dropped -25.77% vs EFG's -58.40%.

Which ETF is better, KOKU or EFG?

On 5-year performance, KOKU leads with 11.64% vs 4.16% for EFG. On fees, KOKU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KOKU has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KOKU or EFG?

Over the 5-year period, KOKU has performed better with a 11.64% return vs 4.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KOKU or EFG?

KOKU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for EFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KOKU or EFG?

EFG has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.45% for KOKU.

What is the main difference between KOKU and EFG?

KOKU is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while EFG is Foreign Large Cap Equities. KOKU tracks MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while EFG tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for KOKU and 0.40% for EFG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KOKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 0.84), 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.