SILJ vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SILJ (Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SILJ is a Silver fund tracking the Nasdaq Junior Silver Miners 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, SILJ returned 8.82%/yr vs 9.84%/yr for EFA. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SILJ charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

SILJ vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) 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, SILJ achieves a -1.77% return, which is significantly lower than EFA's 9.36% return. Over the past 10 years, SILJ has underperformed EFA with an annualized return of 8.82%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively higher 9.84% annualized return.

SILJ

• 1D: 3.23%
• 1M: -20.69%
• YTD: -1.77%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: 85.48%
• 3Y*: 45.21%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: 8.82%

EFA

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 9.36%
• 6M: 10.80%
• 1Y: 20.34%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.84%

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

SILJ vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SILJ Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF	-1.77%	183.89%	6.39%	-5.21%	-15.42%	-23.21%	33.00%	57.06%	-27.95%	-5.65%
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 SILJ and EFA is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 29, 2012	0.34

The correlation between SILJ and EFA shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (all time) to 0.50 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SILJ vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SILJ	EFA
Basic Materials	99.8%	5.9%
Financial Services	0.3%	24.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	6.7%
Communication Services	0.0%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.6%
Energy	-	4.0%
Healthcare	-	10.6%
Industrials	-	19.9%
Real Estate	-	1.9%
Technology	-	10.4%
Utilities	-	4.0%

Return for Risk

SILJ vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SILJ

SILJ Risk / Return Rank: 46
SILJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SILJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SILJ Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SILJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SILJ Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

SILJ vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) 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.

	SILJ	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.31	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.91	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.24	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.19	1.79	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.65	6.67	-1.02

SILJ vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SILJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SILJ 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

SILJ vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SILJ drawdown since its inception was -79.04%, which is greater than EFA's maximum drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SILJ and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SILJ	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.04%	-61.04%	-18.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.16%	-11.42%	-27.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.16%	-14.05%	-25.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.60%	-29.53%	-25.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.06%	-34.19%	-35.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.56%	-0.61%	-31.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.40%	-11.92%	-29.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.17%	3.07%	+12.10%

Volatility

SILJ vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) has a higher volatility of 20.76% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) at 5.50%. This indicates that SILJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SILJ	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.76%	5.50%	+15.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.36%	13.19%	+34.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	56.54%	15.64%	+40.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.76%	16.58%	+28.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.41%	17.27%	+29.14%

SILJ vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SILJ has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

SILJ vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

SILJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, 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%
SILJ Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF	2.04%	2.00%	7.26%	0.01%	0.05%	0.36%	1.23%	1.45%	1.66%	0.00%	0.52%	2.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SILJ and EFA in my portfolio?

SILJ and EFA have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SILJ or EFA?

SILJ has higher volatility (20.76%) compared to EFA (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SILJ dropped -79.04% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, SILJ or EFA?

On 10-year performance, EFA leads with 9.84% vs 8.82% for SILJ. On fees, EFA is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EFA has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SILJ or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, EFA has performed better with a 9.84% return vs 8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SILJ or EFA?

EFA is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for SILJ.

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

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.09%, compared with 2.04% for SILJ.

What is the main difference between SILJ and EFA?

SILJ is categorized as Silver, while EFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. SILJ tracks Nasdaq Junior Silver Miners Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Amplify and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for SILJ and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SILJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 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.