QEFA vs. ITOT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QEFA (SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF) and ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while ITOT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QEFA returned 9.05%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for ITOT. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QEFA charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for ITOT.

Performance

QEFA vs. ITOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QEFA achieves a 6.21% return, which is significantly lower than ITOT's 8.94% return. Over the past 10 years, QEFA has underperformed ITOT with an annualized return of 9.05%, while ITOT has yielded a comparatively higher 15.11% annualized return.

QEFA

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: -1.41%
• YTD: 6.21%
• 6M: 5.79%
• 1Y: 17.01%
• 3Y*: 14.71%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: 9.05%

ITOT

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 8.94%
• 6M: 7.85%
• 1Y: 24.26%
• 3Y*: 20.67%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: 15.11%

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

QEFA vs. ITOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	6.21%	29.25%	2.27%	17.40%	-14.03%	12.50%	6.76%	21.91%	-10.39%	24.03%
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	8.94%	17.00%	23.80%	26.12%	-19.47%	25.68%	20.71%	30.67%	-5.33%	21.37%

Correlation

The correlation between QEFA and ITOT is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2014	0.67

The correlation between QEFA and ITOT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

QEFA vs. ITOT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QEFA	ITOT
Financial Services	14.3%	11.4%
Healthcare	11.4%	8.8%
Technology	10.5%	37.2%
Industrials	9.1%	9.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	9.8%
Basic Materials	4.9%	2.0%
Energy	4.3%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.2%	9.8%
Utilities	2.3%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.7%	2.3%

Return for Risk

QEFA vs. ITOT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QEFA

QEFA Risk / Return Rank: 38
QEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
QEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
QEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 36
QEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
QEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 41

ITOT

ITOT Risk / Return Rank: 59
ITOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ITOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ITOT Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ITOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ITOT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. ITOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). 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.

	QEFA	ITOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.90	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	2.59	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.34	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.74	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.30	12.14	-5.84

QEFA vs. ITOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QEFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is lower than the ITOT Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QEFA and ITOT, 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

QEFA vs. ITOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QEFA drawdown since its inception was -31.71%, smaller than the maximum ITOT drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QEFA and ITOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	QEFA	ITOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.71%	-55.20%	+23.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-8.90%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.23%	-19.44%	+7.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.09%	-25.36%	-2.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.71%	-35.00%	+3.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-2.79%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.07%	-6.96%	+0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	2.00%	+0.71%

Volatility

QEFA vs. ITOT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is 3.70%, while iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) has a volatility of 4.96%. This indicates that QEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ITOT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QEFA	ITOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	4.96%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.63%	10.06%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.99%	12.85%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.81%	17.46%	-2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.87%	18.28%	-2.41%

QEFA vs. ITOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

QEFA has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than ITOT's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

QEFA vs. ITOT - Dividend Comparison

QEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than ITOT's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.11%	1.23%	1.47%	1.66%	1.18%	1.41%	1.88%	2.14%	1.69%	1.83%	2.01%
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	2.89%	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 ITOT in my portfolio?

QEFA and ITOT have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QEFA or ITOT?

ITOT has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to QEFA (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QEFA dropped -31.71% vs ITOT's -55.20%.

Which ETF is better, QEFA or ITOT?

On 10-year performance, ITOT leads with 15.11% vs 9.05% for QEFA. On fees, ITOT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, QEFA has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QEFA or ITOT?

Over the 10-year period, ITOT has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 9.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QEFA or ITOT?

ITOT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for QEFA.

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

QEFA has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 1.02% for ITOT.

What is the main difference between QEFA and ITOT?

QEFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while ITOT is Large Cap Blend Equities. QEFA tracks MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while ITOT tracks S&P Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for QEFA and 0.03% for ITOT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 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.