MDY vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

MDY (SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MDY is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Index, while EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MDY returned 11.33%/yr vs 9.84%/yr for EFA. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MDY charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

MDY vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF (MDY) 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, MDY achieves a 15.28% return, which is significantly higher than EFA's 9.36% return. Over the past 10 years, MDY has outperformed EFA with an annualized return of 11.33%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively lower 9.84% annualized return.

MDY

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 13.84%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: 15.07%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: 11.33%

EFA

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 1.51%
• YTD: 9.36%
• 6M: 10.80%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.84%

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

MDY vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDY SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF	15.28%	7.19%	13.64%	16.07%	-13.28%	24.53%	13.50%	25.78%	-11.29%	15.93%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	9.36%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MDY and EFA is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 17, 2001	0.76

The correlation between MDY and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDY vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDY	EFA
Industrials	25.1%	18.9%
Technology	15.4%	12.1%
Financial Services	13.9%	24.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	7.4%
Healthcare	8.7%	10.1%
Real Estate	7.7%	1.6%
Energy	5.6%	3.8%
Basic Materials	4.8%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	6.7%
Utilities	3.1%	3.7%
Communication Services	1.0%	4.6%

Return for Risk

MDY vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDY

MDY Risk / Return Rank: 59
MDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MDY Omega Ratio Rank: 52
MDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MDY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

MDY vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF (MDY) 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.

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.

	MDY	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.31	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	1.91	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.24	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	1.79	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	6.67	+3.93

MDY vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDY Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDY 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.

Drawdowns

MDY vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDY drawdown since its inception was -55.33%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDY and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDY	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.33%	-61.04%	+5.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-11.42%	+2.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.03%	-14.05%	-9.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.03%	-29.53%	+5.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.22%	-34.19%	-8.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.61%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-11.92%	+4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	3.07%	-0.65%

Volatility

MDY vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF (MDY) is 5.04%, while iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that MDY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDY	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	5.50%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	13.19%	-1.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.83%	15.64%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.82%	16.58%	+3.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	17.27%	+3.94%

MDY vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDY has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDY vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

MDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than EFA's 3.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.09%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
MDY SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF	1.03%	1.15%	1.18%	1.21%	1.37%	0.96%	1.12%	1.34%	1.39%	1.18%	1.31%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDY and EFA in my portfolio?

MDY and EFA have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDY or EFA?

EFA has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to MDY (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDY dropped -55.33% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, MDY or EFA?

On 10-year performance, MDY leads with 11.33% vs 9.84% for EFA. On fees, MDY is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, MDY has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDY or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, MDY has performed better with a 11.33% return vs 9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDY or EFA?

MDY is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for EFA.

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

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.09%, compared with 1.03% for MDY.

What is the main difference between MDY and EFA?

MDY is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while EFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. MDY tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for MDY and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.31), 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.