iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA): Historical Returns

Data Source: from January 1970 to February 2024 (~54 years)
Consolidated Returns as of 29 February 2024
Live Update: Mar 18 2024
Category: Stocks
iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
ETF • LIVE PERFORMANCE (USD currency)
0.03%
1 Day
Mar 18 2024
2.10%
Current Month
March 2024

In the last 30 Years, the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF obtained a 4.75% compound annual return, with a 16.38% standard deviation.

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The ETF is related to the following investment themes:

  • Asset Class: Equity
  • Size: Large Cap
  • Style: Blend
  • Region: Developed Markets
  • Country: EAFE

The iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF is part of the following Lazy Portfolios:

Portfolio Name Author EFA Weight Currency
Andrew Tobias Portfolio Andrew Tobias 33.33% USD
Robo Advisor 100 Betterment 27.30% USD
Nano Portfolio John Wasik 20.00% USD
Long Term Portfolio Ben Stein 20.00% USD
Mid-Twenties Burton Malkiel 17.50% USD
Late Thirties to Early Forties Burton Malkiel 16.25% USD
Pinwheel 15.00% USD
Mid-Fifties Burton Malkiel 14.00% USD
Robo Advisor 50 Betterment 13.70% USD
Late Sixties and Beyond Burton Malkiel 10.00% USD
7Twelve Portfolio Craig Israelsen 8.33% USD
Robo Advisor 20 Betterment 5.60% USD
Robo Advisor 10 Betterment 2.80% USD

Investment Returns as of Feb 29, 2024

The iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF guaranteed the following returns.

Returns are calculated in USD, assuming:
  • no fees or capital gain taxes.
  • the reinvestment of dividends.
  • the actual US Inflation rates.
ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Consolidated returns as of 29 February 2024
Live Update: Mar 18 2024
Swipe left to see all data
  Chg (%) Return (%) Return (%) as of Feb 29, 2024
  1 Day Time ET(*) Mar 2024 1M 6M 1Y 5Y 10Y 30Y MAX
(~54Y)
iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF -0.03 2.10 2.99 9.37 14.89 6.83 4.38 4.75 8.11
US Inflation Adjusted return 2.53 7.65 11.36 2.53 1.51 2.15 3.98
Returns over 1 year are annualized | Available data source: since Jan 1970
(*) Eastern Time (ET - America/New York)
US Inflation is updated to Feb 2024. Current inflation (annualized) is 1Y: 3.17% , 5Y: 4.19% , 10Y: 2.82% , 30Y: 2.54%

In 2023, the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF granted a 3.44% dividend yield. If you are interested in getting periodic income, please refer to the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF: Dividend Yield page.

Capital Growth as of Feb 29, 2024

An investment of 1$, since March 1994, now would be worth 4.02$, with a total return of 301.79% (4.75% annualized).

The Inflation Adjusted Capital now would be 1.89$, with a net total return of 89.49% (2.15% annualized).
An investment of 1$, since January 1970, now would be worth 68.43$, with a total return of 6743.02% (8.11% annualized).

The Inflation Adjusted Capital now would be 8.29$, with a net total return of 729.38% (3.98% annualized).

Investment Metrics as of Feb 29, 2024

Metrics of iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF, updated as of 29 February 2024.

Metrics are calculated based on monthly returns, assuming:
  • no fees or capital gain taxes.
  • the reinvestment of dividends.
  • the actual US Inflation rates.
ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Advanced Metrics
Data Source: 1 January 1970 - 29 February 2024 (~54 years)
Swipe left to see all data
Metrics as of Feb 29, 2024
1M 3M 6M 1Y 3Y 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y MAX
(~54Y)
Investment Return (%) 2.99 8.02 9.37 14.89 4.54 6.83 4.38 5.38 4.75 8.11
Infl. Adjusted Return (%) details 2.53 6.97 7.65 11.36 -1.08 2.53 1.51 2.72 2.15 3.98
US Inflation (%) 0.44 0.98 1.59 3.17 5.68 4.19 2.82 2.59 2.54 3.97
Returns / Inflation rates over 1 year are annualized.
DRAWDOWN
Inflation Adjusted:
Inflation Adjusted:
1Y 3Y 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y MAX
Deepest Drawdown Depth (%) -10.13 -27.58 -27.58 -27.58 -57.38 -57.38 -57.38
Start to Recovery (# months) details 5 28 28 28 80 80 80
Start (yyyy mm) 2023 08 2021 09 2021 09 2021 09 2007 11 2007 11 2007 11
Start to Bottom (# months) 3 13 13 13 16 16 16
Bottom (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2022 09 2022 09 2022 09 2009 02 2009 02 2009 02
Bottom to End (# months) 2 15 15 15 64 64 64
End (yyyy mm) 2023 12 2023 12 2023 12 2023 12 2014 06 2014 06 2014 06
Longest Drawdown Depth (%)
same as
deepest

same as
deepest

same as
deepest
-18.76
same as
deepest

same as
deepest

same as
deepest
Start to Recovery (# months) details 35
Start (yyyy mm) 2023 08 2021 09 2021 09 2014 07 2007 11 2007 11 2007 11
Start to Bottom (# months) 3 13 13 20 16 16 16
Bottom (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2022 09 2022 09 2016 02 2009 02 2009 02 2009 02
Bottom to End (# months) 2 15 15 15 64 64 64
End (yyyy mm) 2023 12 2023 12 2023 12 2017 05 2014 06 2014 06 2014 06
Longest negative period (# months) details 8 32 43 73 155 155 170
Period Start (yyyy mm) 2023 03 2021 03 2019 03 2014 03 2007 05 2007 05 1989 02
Period End (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2023 10 2022 09 2020 03 2020 03 2020 03 2003 03
Annualized Return (%) -2.57 -0.86 -0.73 -0.88 -0.05 -0.05 -0.10
Deepest Drawdown Depth (%) -10.97 -33.65 -33.65 -33.65 -58.09 -58.09 -58.09
Start to Recovery (# months) details 5 33* 33* 33* 158 158 158
Start (yyyy mm) 2023 08 2021 06 2021 06 2021 06 2007 11 2007 11 2007 11
Start to Bottom (# months) 3 16 16 16 16 16 16
Bottom (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2022 09 2022 09 2022 09 2009 02 2009 02 2009 02
Bottom to End (# months) 2 17 17 17 142 142 142
End (yyyy mm) 2023 12 - - - 2020 12 2020 12 2020 12
Longest Drawdown Depth (%)
same as
deepest

same as
deepest

same as
deepest
-25.67
same as
deepest

same as
deepest

same as
deepest
Start to Recovery (# months) details 35
Start (yyyy mm) 2023 08 2021 06 2021 06 2018 02 2007 11 2007 11 2007 11
Start to Bottom (# months) 3 16 16 26 16 16 16
Bottom (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2022 09 2022 09 2020 03 2009 02 2009 02 2009 02
Bottom to End (# months) 2 17 17 9 142 142 142
End (yyyy mm) 2023 12 - - 2020 12 2020 12 2020 12 2020 12
Longest negative period (# months) details 8 36* 56 114 202 274 274
Period Start (yyyy mm) 2023 03 2021 03 2019 03 2014 05 2007 01 2000 01 2000 01
Period End (yyyy mm) 2023 10 2024 02 2023 10 2023 10 2023 10 2022 10 2022 10
Annualized Return (%) -5.42 -1.08 -0.42 -0.03 -0.10 -0.07 -0.07
Drawdowns / Negative periods marked with * are in progress
RISK INDICATORS
1Y 3Y 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y MAX
Standard Deviation (%) 13.64 17.22 17.88 14.99 17.04 16.38 17.06
Sharpe Ratio 0.71 0.13 0.28 0.21 0.24 0.15 0.24
Sortino Ratio 0.98 0.18 0.39 0.30 0.32 0.20 0.33
Ulcer Index 3.89 10.04 9.37 9.09 17.55 18.63 16.19
Ratio: Return / Standard Deviation 1.09 0.26 0.38 0.29 0.32 0.29 0.48
Ratio: Return / Deepest Drawdown 1.47 0.16 0.25 0.16 0.09 0.08 0.14
% Positive Months details 58% 55% 58% 58% 58% 58% 59%
Positive Months 7 20 35 70 141 212 386
Negative Months 5 16 25 50 99 148 264
LONG TERM RETURNS
Inflation Adjusted:
Inflation Adjusted:
1Y 3Y 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y MAX
Best 10 Years Return (%) - Annualized 4.38 9.57 9.61 24.60
Worst 10 Years Return (%) - Annualized 0.59 -0.59 -0.59
Best 10 Years Return (%) - Annualized 1.51 7.68 7.68 16.99
Worst 10 Years Return (%) - Annualized -1.18 -3.10 -3.76
ROLLING PERIODS
Inflation Adjusted:
Inflation Adjusted:
1Y 3Y 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y MAX
Over the latest 30Y
Best Rolling Return (%) - Annualized 58.71 31.18 23.35 9.61 7.26 4.75
Worst Rolling Return (%) - Annualized -50.02 -19.65 -7.41 -0.59 1.87
% Positive Periods 62% 76% 81% 98% 100% 100%
SWR - Safe Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized 65.07 21.67 13.19 7.26 4.35 4.26
PWR - Perpetual Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized - - - - - 2.01
WR calculated based on initial capital | Monthly withdrawals adjusted for inflation | Credits: BestRetirementPortfolio.com
Best Rolling Return (%) - Annualized 55.99 27.62 19.86 7.68 4.63 2.15
Worst Rolling Return (%) - Annualized -50.03 -21.58 -9.26 -3.10 -0.21
% Positive Periods 58% 65% 63% 81% 99% 100%
SWR - Safe Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized 65.07 21.67 13.19 7.26 4.35 4.26
PWR - Perpetual Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized - - - - - 2.01
WR calculated based on initial capital | Monthly withdrawals adjusted for inflation | Credits: BestRetirementPortfolio.com
Over all the available data source (Jan 1970 - Feb 2024)
Best Rolling Return (%) - Annualized 90.05 60.37 42.40 24.60 16.26 12.94
Worst Rolling Return (%) - Annualized -50.02 -19.65 -7.41 -0.59 1.23 3.73
% Positive Periods 67% 80% 88% 99% 100% 100%
SWR - Safe Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized 65.07 21.67 13.19 7.26 4.35 3.36
PWR - Perpetual Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized - - - - - 1.07
WR calculated based on initial capital | Monthly withdrawals adjusted for inflation | Credits: BestRetirementPortfolio.com
Best Rolling Return (%) - Annualized 87.10 55.74 38.06 16.99 9.76 7.53
Worst Rolling Return (%) - Annualized -50.03 -21.58 -9.26 -3.76 -1.56 1.20
% Positive Periods 59% 65% 67% 86% 98% 100%
SWR - Safe Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized 65.07 21.67 13.19 7.26 4.35 3.36
PWR - Perpetual Withdrawal Rate (%) - 100% Success - Annualized - - - - - 1.07
WR calculated based on initial capital | Monthly withdrawals adjusted for inflation | Credits: BestRetirementPortfolio.com
Terms and Definitions
  • Annualized Portfolio Return: it's the annualized geometric mean return of the portfolio.
  • Deepest/Longest Drawdown: a drawdown refers to the decline in value from a relative peak value to a relative trough. The deepest (or maximum) drawdown is the maximum observed loss from a peak to a trough of a portfolio before a new peak is attained. The longest drawdown is the period observed from a peak to the subsequent peak with the greatest duration.
  • Longest negative period: it's the maximum period for which an overall negative return has been observed.
  • Standard Deviation: it's a measure of the dispersion of returns around the mean.
  • Sharpe Ratio: it's a measure of risk-adjusted performance of the portfolio. It's calculated by dividing the excess return of the portfolio over the risk-free rate by the portfolio standard deviation. The risk-free rate here considered is the 1-3 Mth T-Bill return.
  • Sortino Ratio: another measure of risk-adjusted performance of the portfolio. It's a modification of the Sharpe Ratio (same formula but the denominator is the portfolio downside standard deviation).
  • Ulcer Index: it's a measure of downside risk that quantifies the depth and duration of drawdowns in an investment portfolio.
  • Best/Worst 10Y returns: the best and the worst 10-year return over a time frame.
  • Rolling Returns: N-year returns over a time frame, calculated over all the available data source (best, worst, % of positive returns). Each rolling period, longer than the longest negative period, yielded a non-negative minimum return.
  • Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR): it's the percentage of the initial portfolio balance that can be withdrawn at the beginning of each month with inflation adjustment, without the portfolio running out of money in any case (money amount withdrawal).
    For instance: Your initial invested capital is 100.000$; withdrawal rate (annualized) is 4%. This means that, in the first month, you will withdraw 100.000 * 4% * 1/12 = 333.33$. The second month, you’ll withdraw 333.33$ plus the inflation monthly rate. You’ll continue adjusting your withdraw monthly for inflation.
  • Perpetual Withdrawal Rate (PWR): it's the percentage of the initial portfolio balance that can be withdrawn at the beginning of each month with inflation adjustment, preserving the original invested capital, adjusted for inflation too.

Correlations as of Feb 29, 2024

Correlation measures to what degree the returns of the two assets move in relation to each other.

Correlation coefficient is a numerical value between -1 and +1. If one variable goes up by a certain amount, the correlation coefficient indicates which way the other variable moves and by how much.
Asset correlations are calculated based on monthly returns.

Monthly correlations of iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF vs the main Asset Classes, over different timeframes. Columns are sortable (click on table header to sort).

ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Monthly correlations as of 29 February 2024
Swipe left to see all data
Correlation vs EFA
Asset Class 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years 30 Years Since
Jan 1992
VTI
US Total Stock Market
0.91
0.90
0.87
0.84
0.81
SPY
US Large Cap
0.91
0.90
0.87
0.83
0.80
IJR
US Small Cap
0.76
0.85
0.77
0.75
0.72
VNQ
US REITs
0.89
0.82
0.68
0.61
0.59
QQQ
US Technology
0.67
0.78
0.78
0.66
0.63
PFF
Preferred Stocks
0.71
0.78
0.71
0.49
0.47
VT
World All Countries
0.96
0.96
0.95
0.95
0.94
EEM
Emerging Markets
0.88
0.85
0.82
0.82
0.77
VGK
Europe
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.96
0.94
VPL
Pacific
0.95
0.96
0.94
0.89
0.89
FLLA
Latin America
0.86
0.74
0.65
0.71
0.68
BND
US Total Bond Market
0.79
0.56
0.43
0.17
0.18
TLT
Long Term Treasuries
0.83
0.21
0.11
-0.10
-0.08
BIL
US Cash
0.13
0.00
0.02
-0.03
-0.03
TIP
TIPS
0.75
0.58
0.50
0.21
0.21
LQD
Invest. Grade Bonds
0.83
0.71
0.62
0.36
0.36
HYG
High Yield Bonds
0.89
0.83
0.80
0.69
0.66
CWB
US Convertible Bonds
0.79
0.79
0.80
0.78
0.75
BNDX
International Bonds
0.68
0.54
0.40
0.19
0.18
EMB
Emerg. Market Bonds
0.93
0.84
0.76
0.60
0.58
GLD
Gold
0.27
0.29
0.16
0.18
0.18
DBC
Commodities
0.12
0.55
0.49
0.44
0.43

If you want to learn more about historical correlations, you can find out here how the main asset class are correlated to each other.

Drawdowns

A drawdown refers to the decline in value from a relative peak value to a relative trough. A maximum drawdown is the maximum observed loss from a peak to a trough of a portfolio before a new peak is attained.

ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Drawdown periods
Drawdown periods - Inflation Adjusted
Data Source: 1 March 1994 - 29 February 2024 (30 Years)
Data Source: 1 January 1970 - 29 February 2024 (~54 years)
Inflation Adjusted:
Swipe left to see all data
Drawdown period
Recovery period
Total
Drawdown Start Bottom #Months End #Months #Months Ulcer Index
-57.38% Nov 2007 Feb 2009 16 Jun 2014 64 80 28.12
-48.22% Jan 2000 Mar 2003 39 Sep 2005 30 69 26.62
-27.58% Sep 2021 Sep 2022 13 Dec 2023 15 28 11.34
-23.01% Jan 2020 Mar 2020 3 Nov 2020 8 11 11.48
-18.76% Jul 2014 Feb 2016 20 May 2017 15 35 9.02
-17.93% Feb 2018 Dec 2018 11 Dec 2019 12 23 8.56
-14.47% Jun 1998 Sep 1998 4 Dec 1998 3 7 7.17
-13.15% Sep 1994 Feb 1995 6 Mar 1996 13 19 5.48
-11.23% Aug 1997 Dec 1997 5 Mar 1998 3 8 6.96
-5.79% May 1996 Jan 1997 9 May 1997 4 13 3.32
-4.28% May 1999 May 1999 1 Jun 1999 1 2 2.47
-3.88% May 2006 Jun 2006 2 Oct 2006 4 6 2.39
-3.22% Jun 2007 Aug 2007 3 Sep 2007 1 4 1.86
-3.18% Oct 2005 Oct 2005 1 Dec 2005 2 3 1.66
-3.02% Mar 1994 Mar 1994 1 Apr 1994 1 2 1.74
Swipe left to see all data
Drawdown period
Recovery period
Total
Drawdown Start Bottom #Months End #Months #Months Ulcer Index
-58.09% Nov 2007 Feb 2009 16 Dec 2020 142 158 25.22
-52.47% Jan 2000 Mar 2003 39 Apr 2006 37 76 29.77
-33.65% Jun 2021 Sep 2022 16 in progress 17 33 16.65
-15.07% May 1998 Sep 1998 5 Jan 1999 4 9 6.79
-14.24% Sep 1994 Feb 1995 6 Apr 1996 14 20 6.81
-12.00% Aug 1997 Dec 1997 5 Mar 1998 3 8 7.50
-7.74% May 1996 Jan 1997 9 May 1997 4 13 4.61
-4.40% May 2006 Jun 2006 2 Oct 2006 4 6 2.93
-4.34% May 1999 May 1999 1 Jun 1999 1 2 2.50
-3.65% Jun 2007 Aug 2007 3 Sep 2007 1 4 2.13
-3.28% Mar 1994 Mar 1994 1 Jun 1994 3 4 1.49
-2.16% Feb 1999 Feb 1999 1 Mar 1999 1 2 1.25
-0.98% Jan 2021 Jan 2021 1 Feb 2021 1 2 0.56
-0.51% Feb 2007 Feb 2007 1 Mar 2007 1 2 0.29
Swipe left to see all data
Drawdown period
Recovery period
Total
Drawdown Start Bottom #Months End #Months #Months Ulcer Index
-57.38% Nov 2007 Feb 2009 16 Jun 2014 64 80 28.12
-48.22% Jan 2000 Mar 2003 39 Sep 2005 30 69 26.62
-41.73% Jan 1973 Sep 1974 21 Sep 1977 36 57 16.13
-31.21% Jan 1990 Sep 1990 9 Jan 1994 40 49 20.31
-27.77% Dec 1980 Jul 1982 20 Mar 1983 8 28 12.17
-27.58% Sep 2021 Sep 2022 13 Dec 2023 15 28 11.34
-27.31% Jan 1970 Jun 1970 6 Mar 1971 9 15 15.11
-23.01% Jan 2020 Mar 2020 3 Nov 2020 8 11 11.48
-18.76% Jul 2014 Feb 2016 20 May 2017 15 35 9.02
-17.93% Feb 2018 Dec 2018 11 Dec 2019 12 23 8.56
-14.47% Jun 1998 Sep 1998 4 Dec 1998 3 7 7.17
-13.46% Sep 1987 Oct 1987 2 Mar 1988 5 7 8.36
-13.15% Sep 1994 Feb 1995 6 Mar 1996 13 19 5.48
-11.23% Aug 1997 Dec 1997 5 Mar 1998 3 8 6.96
-11.03% Feb 1980 Mar 1980 2 Jul 1980 4 6 5.29
Swipe left to see all data
Drawdown period
Recovery period
Total
Drawdown Start Bottom #Months End #Months #Months Ulcer Index
-58.09% Nov 2007 Feb 2009 16 Dec 2020 142 158 25.22
-52.47% Jan 2000 Mar 2003 39 Apr 2006 37 76 29.77
-51.06% Jan 1973 Sep 1974 21 Jan 1985 124 145 24.50
-38.24% Jan 1990 Oct 1992 34 Apr 1999 78 112 20.31
-33.65% Jun 2021 Sep 2022 16 in progress 17 33 16.65
-29.37% Jan 1970 Jun 1970 6 Dec 1971 18 24 14.19
-13.98% Sep 1987 Oct 1987 2 Mar 1988 5 7 9.04
-10.80% May 1988 Aug 1988 4 Nov 1988 3 7 5.78
-9.80% Mar 1989 Jun 1989 4 Jul 1989 1 5 5.19
-9.20% Sep 1986 Oct 1986 2 Dec 1986 2 4 4.64
-4.40% May 2006 Jun 2006 2 Oct 2006 4 6 2.93
-4.34% May 1999 May 1999 1 Jun 1999 1 2 2.50
-4.28% Jun 1987 Jul 1987 2 Aug 1987 1 3 2.77
-4.13% Oct 1989 Oct 1989 1 Nov 1989 1 2 2.38
-3.98% Aug 1989 Aug 1989 1 Sep 1989 1 2 2.30

Rolling Returns

( more details)

A rolling return is a measure of investment performance that calculates the return of an investment over a set period of time, with the starting date rolling forward. This approach can provide a more accurate representation of the investment's historical performance and helps investors to evaluate the investment's consistency over time.

ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Annualized Rolling Returns
Annualized Rolling Returns - Inflation Adjusted
Data Source: 1 March 1994 - 29 February 2024 (30 Years)
Data Source: 1 January 1970 - 29 February 2024 (~54 years)
Inflation Adjusted:
Swipe left to see all data
Rolling
Period
Worst Period
15th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
Best Period
Latest Negative
Periods
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
1Y -50.02 03/2008
02/2009
0.49$ -12.25 0.87$ 6.81 1.06$ 24.48 1.24$ 58.71 04/2003
03/2004
1.58$ 14.89 37.82%
2Y -29.65 03/2007
02/2009
0.49$ -6.48 0.87$ 5.27 1.10$ 18.53 1.40$ 37.02 03/2009
02/2011
1.87$ 5.70 26.41%
3Y -19.65 04/2000
03/2003
0.51$ -3.76 0.89$ 5.72 1.18$ 12.51 1.42$ 31.18 04/2003
03/2006
2.25$ 4.54 23.08%
5Y -7.41 06/2007
05/2012
0.68$ -0.68 0.96$ 4.02 1.21$ 10.01 1.61$ 23.35 11/2002
10/2007
2.85$ 6.83 18.94%
7Y -2.53 04/1996
03/2003
0.83$ 1.62 1.11$ 4.68 1.37$ 6.89 1.59$ 11.68 04/2003
03/2010
2.16$ 6.65 4.69%
10Y -0.59 03/1999
02/2009
0.94$ 1.72 1.18$ 5.08 1.64$ 7.34 2.03$ 9.61 04/2003
03/2013
2.50$ 4.38 1.24%
15Y 0.51 10/2007
09/2022
1.07$ 2.97 1.55$ 4.25 1.86$ 5.67 2.28$ 8.65 03/2009
02/2024
3.47$ 8.65 0.00%
20Y 1.87 04/2000
03/2020
1.44$ 3.84 2.12$ 4.81 2.55$ 5.87 3.13$ 7.26 04/2003
03/2023
4.05$ 5.38 0.00%
30Y 4.75 03/1994
02/2024
4.01$ 4.75 4.01$ 4.75 4.01$ 4.75 4.01$ 4.75 03/1994
02/2024
4.01$ 4.75 0.00%
Annualized rolling and percentiles/median returns over full calendar month periods
Swipe left to see all data
Rolling
Period
Worst Period
15th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
Best Period
Latest Negative
Periods
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
1Y -50.03 03/2008
02/2009
0.49$ -14.97 0.85$ 4.31 1.04$ 21.05 1.21$ 55.99 04/2003
03/2004
1.55$ 11.36 41.55%
2Y -31.07 03/2007
02/2009
0.47$ -8.78 0.83$ 2.97 1.06$ 15.44 1.33$ 34.16 03/2009
02/2011
1.79$ 1.09 38.87%
3Y -21.58 04/2000
03/2003
0.48$ -6.02 0.82$ 3.16 1.09$ 9.76 1.32$ 27.62 04/2003
03/2006
2.07$ -1.08 34.15%
5Y -9.26 06/2007
05/2012
0.61$ -2.99 0.85$ 1.24 1.06$ 7.55 1.43$ 19.86 11/2002
10/2007
2.47$ 2.53 36.54%
7Y -4.84 04/1996
03/2003
0.70$ -0.50 0.96$ 2.40 1.18$ 4.69 1.37$ 9.04 04/2003
03/2010
1.83$ 3.02 22.02%
10Y -3.10 03/1999
02/2009
0.72$ -0.25 0.97$ 2.81 1.31$ 4.91 1.61$ 7.68 03/2009
02/2019
2.09$ 1.51 18.67%
15Y -1.81 10/2007
09/2022
0.75$ 0.66 1.10$ 1.96 1.33$ 3.40 1.65$ 6.42 02/2003
01/2018
2.54$ 5.93 6.63%
20Y -0.21 04/2000
03/2020
0.95$ 1.63 1.38$ 2.48 1.63$ 3.49 1.98$ 4.63 04/2003
03/2023
2.47$ 2.72 0.83%
30Y 2.15 03/1994
02/2024
1.89$ 2.15 1.89$ 2.15 1.89$ 2.15 1.89$ 2.15 03/1994
02/2024
1.89$ 2.15 0.00%
Annualized rolling and percentiles/median returns over full calendar month periods
Swipe left to see all data
Rolling
Period
Worst Period
15th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
Best Period
Latest Negative
Periods
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
1Y -50.02 03/2008
02/2009
0.49$ -10.71 0.89$ 9.80 1.09$ 30.18 1.30$ 90.05 09/1985
08/1986
1.90$ 14.89 32.39%
2Y -29.65 03/2007
02/2009
0.49$ -4.30 0.91$ 7.96 1.16$ 22.22 1.49$ 74.88 05/1985
04/1987
3.05$ 5.70 23.44%
3Y -19.65 04/2000
03/2003
0.51$ -1.46 0.95$ 6.98 1.22$ 19.53 1.70$ 60.37 06/1984
05/1987
4.12$ 4.54 19.19%
5Y -7.41 06/2007
05/2012
0.68$ 0.75 1.03$ 6.71 1.38$ 15.51 2.05$ 42.40 08/1982
07/1987
5.85$ 6.83 11.51%
7Y -2.53 04/1996
03/2003
0.83$ 2.40 1.18$ 6.56 1.56$ 14.18 2.52$ 33.35 08/1982
07/1989
7.50$ 6.65 2.29%
10Y -0.59 03/1999
02/2009
0.94$ 3.17 1.36$ 6.53 1.88$ 17.13 4.86$ 24.60 05/1977
04/1987
9.01$ 4.38 0.56%
15Y 0.51 10/2007
09/2022
1.07$ 3.29 1.62$ 6.81 2.68$ 14.98 8.11$ 21.16 10/1974
09/1989
17.79$ 8.65 0.00%
20Y 1.23 03/1989
02/2009
1.27$ 4.34 2.33$ 7.13 3.96$ 13.45 12.47$ 16.26 07/1970
06/1990
20.35$ 5.38 0.00%
30Y 3.73 01/1989
12/2018
2.99$ 4.69 3.95$ 8.75 12.37$ 11.04 23.16$ 12.94 07/1970
06/2000
38.51$ 4.75 0.00%
Annualized rolling and percentiles/median returns over full calendar month periods
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Rolling
Period
Worst Period
15th Percentile
50th Percentile
85th Percentile
Best Period
Latest Negative
Periods
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
Growth
of 1$
Ann.
Return
From
To
Growth
of 1$
1Y -50.03 03/2008
02/2009
0.49$ -13.92 0.86$ 4.99 1.04$ 24.71 1.24$ 87.10 09/1985
08/1986
1.87$ 11.36 40.06%
2Y -31.07 03/2007
02/2009
0.47$ -8.81 0.83$ 3.80 1.07$ 17.46 1.37$ 70.40 05/1985
04/1987
2.90$ 1.09 37.48%
3Y -21.58 04/2000
03/2003
0.48$ -6.66 0.81$ 3.62 1.11$ 14.62 1.50$ 55.74 06/1984
05/1987
3.77$ -1.08 34.31%
5Y -9.26 06/2007
05/2012
0.61$ -2.56 0.87$ 2.53 1.13$ 11.02 1.68$ 38.06 08/1982
07/1987
5.01$ 2.53 32.32%
7Y -4.84 04/1996
03/2003
0.70$ -0.41 0.97$ 3.09 1.23$ 9.03 1.83$ 28.78 08/1982
07/1989
5.87$ 3.02 19.22%
10Y -3.76 08/1972
07/1982
0.68$ 0.16 1.01$ 3.27 1.37$ 12.50 3.24$ 16.99 05/1977
04/1987
4.80$ 1.51 13.75%
15Y -2.49 04/1988
03/2003
0.68$ 0.87 1.13$ 3.91 1.77$ 9.58 3.94$ 14.08 10/1974
09/1989
7.21$ 5.93 7.86%
20Y -1.56 03/1989
02/2009
0.73$ 1.99 1.48$ 4.20 2.27$ 7.86 4.54$ 9.76 10/1974
09/1994
6.44$ 2.72 1.95%
30Y 1.20 01/1989
12/2018
1.43$ 2.11 1.87$ 5.06 4.39$ 6.38 6.39$ 7.53 06/1977
05/2007
8.83$ 2.15 0.00%
Annualized rolling and percentiles/median returns over full calendar month periods

If you need a deeper detail about rolling returns, please refer to the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF: Rolling Returns page.

Seasonality

In which months is it better to invest in iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF?

Both the Average Return and the Gain Frequency (Win %) are useful to get an idea of what happened in the past.
For further information about the seasonality, check the Asset Class Seasonality page.
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Monthly Average Return (%) and Gain Frequency
Return (%) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average
Gain Frequency
0.26
20%
-1.81
40%
-1.41
80%
1.58
80%
0.37
60%
0.82
60%
1.73
80%
-1.16
40%
-3.00
20%
1.20
60%
6.45
80%
3.19
80%
Best 9.0
2023
3.0
2024
3.1
2023
5.8
2020
5.4
2020
5.9
2019
5.2
2022
4.7
2020
3.2
2019
5.9
2022
14.3
2020
5.4
2023
Worst -3.6
2022
-7.8
2020
-14.1
2020
-6.7
2022
-5.0
2019
-8.7
2022
-1.9
2019
-6.1
2022
-9.2
2022
-3.6
2020
-4.5
2021
-1.8
2022
Monthly Seasonality over the period Feb 1970 - Feb 2024
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Monthly Average Return (%) and Gain Frequency
Return (%) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average
Gain Frequency
1.14
50%
-0.71
50%
0.01
60%
1.94
90%
0.52
60%
-0.18
50%
1.75
80%
-1.48
40%
-1.87
40%
0.37
50%
3.10
70%
0.83
60%
Best 9.0
2023
6.3
2015
6.6
2016
5.8
2020
5.4
2020
5.9
2019
5.2
2022
4.7
2020
3.2
2019
6.6
2015
14.3
2020
5.4
2023
Worst -5.5
2016
-7.8
2020
-14.1
2020
-6.7
2022
-5.0
2019
-8.7
2022
-2.6
2014
-7.4
2015
-9.2
2022
-8.1
2018
-4.5
2021
-5.4
2018
Monthly Seasonality over the period Feb 1970 - Feb 2024
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Monthly Average Return (%) and Gain Frequency
Return (%) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average
Gain Frequency
0.56
51%
0.48
60%
1.17
65%
2.27
74%
-0.02
46%
0.06
46%
1.04
65%
-0.03
54%
-0.69
56%
0.83
56%
1.54
69%
2.10
72%
Best 12.2
1975
11.1
1991
12.7
1986
11.5
2009
13.2
2009
7.4
1986
12.2
1989
12.1
1982
10.0
2010
18.0
1974
14.3
2020
8.9
1971
Worst -13.7
2009
-10.4
2009
-14.1
2020
-10.5
1970
-11.2
2010
-8.8
2008
-9.5
2002
-12.5
1998
-14.2
1990
-20.8
2008
-10.7
1973
-5.4
2018
Monthly Seasonality over the period Feb 1970 - Feb 2024

Monthly Returns

This section provides a visual/tabular representation of the performance variability in the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF over time. It illustrates the distribution of monthly returns, showcasing the range and frequency of positive and negative returns.

ISHARES MSCI EAFE (EFA) ETF
Monthly Returns Distribution
Data Source: 1 March 1994 - 29 February 2024 (30 Years)
Data Source: 1 January 1970 - 29 February 2024 (~54 years)
212 Positive Months (59%) - 148 Negative Months (41%)
386 Positive Months (59%) - 264 Negative Months (41%)
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(Scroll down to see all data)
Investment Returns, up to December 2001, have been derived using the historical series of equivalent ETFs / Assets.
You can find additional information on extended Data Sources here.

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