QEFA vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

QEFA (SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - QEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD) while EFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QEFA returned 8.72%/yr vs 9.11%/yr for EFA. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QEFA charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

QEFA vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) 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, QEFA achieves a 7.32% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 8.42% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with QEFA having a 8.72% annualized return and EFA not far ahead at 9.11%.

QEFA

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 7.32%
• 6M: 9.90%
• 1Y: 16.78%
• 3Y*: 14.95%
• 5Y*: 7.93%
• 10Y*: 8.72%

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)

QEFA vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	7.32%	29.25%	2.27%	17.40%	-14.03%	12.50%	6.76%	21.91%	-10.39%	24.03%
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 QEFA and EFA is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2014	0.86

The correlation between QEFA and EFA shifts across timeframes, from 0.86 (all time) to 0.98 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QEFA vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QEFA	EFA
Financial Services	14.3%	24.6%
Healthcare	11.6%	10.6%
Technology	10.1%	10.4%
Industrials	8.7%	19.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	7.6%
Energy	5.1%	4.0%
Basic Materials	4.9%	5.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	6.7%
Communication Services	3.3%	4.5%
Utilities	2.7%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.9%

Return for Risk

QEFA vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

QEFA

QEFA Risk / Return Rank: 37
QEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
QEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
QEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 35
QEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
QEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

QEFA vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) 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.

	QEFA	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.41	-0.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.04	-0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.26	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	1.85	+0.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	6.94	-0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QEFA vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QEFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QEFA 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

	QEFA	EFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	1.41	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.51	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.53	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.31	+0.12

Drawdowns

QEFA vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QEFA drawdown since its inception was -31.71%, smaller than the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QEFA and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	QEFA	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.71%	-61.04%	+29.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-11.42%	+1.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.23%	-14.05%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.09%	-29.53%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.71%	-34.19%	+2.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.46%	-1.46%	-1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.08%	-11.93%	+5.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	3.04%	-0.39%

Volatility

QEFA vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is 4.12%, while iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) has a volatility of 4.98%. This indicates that QEFA 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

	QEFA	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	4.98%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.24%	12.51%	-2.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.78%	15.05%	-2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.77%	16.48%	-1.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.03%	17.26%	-1.23%

QEFA vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

QEFA has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

QEFA vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

QEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.86%, 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%
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	2.86%	3.13%	3.17%	2.79%	3.02%	2.37%	1.82%	2.95%	3.22%	2.33%	2.01%	2.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QEFA and EFA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, QEFA 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, QEFA or EFA?

EFA has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to QEFA (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QEFA dropped -31.71% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, QEFA or EFA?

On 10-year performance, EFA leads with 9.11% vs 8.72% for QEFA. On fees, QEFA is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, QEFA has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QEFA or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, EFA has performed better with a 9.11% return vs 8.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QEFA or EFA?

QEFA is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for EFA.

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

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.12%, compared with 2.86% for QEFA.

What is the main difference between QEFA and EFA?

QEFA tracks MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for QEFA and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 1.32), 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.