AFDM vs EASG
First Trust Active Factor International ETF vs Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Selection Equity ETF
Which is better, AFDM or EASG?
Nearly the same fund. EASG costs less.
EASG has a lower expense ratio. AFDM led over the full window, EASG over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. AFDM is less concentrated, with 15.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.5%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFDM | EASG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.14%Best |
| AUM | $149M | $68M |
| Dividend Yield | 3.47% | 3.75% |
| Holdings | 178 | 361 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 16.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -32.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 7.9 years | $20,145Best | $19,484 |
| Top 10 Weight | 15.1%Best | 22.5% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Xtrackers ETFs |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 14, 2016 | Sep 5, 2018 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized).
The two price series end 33 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. AFDM has data through Oct 14, 2026 and EASG through Sep 11, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 7.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 2, 2018 to Sep 11, 2026 (7.9 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 16.2% for EASG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.9% for AFDM and -32.3% for EASG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFDM charges 0.83% per year while EASG charges 0.14%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $14 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFDM currently yields 3.47% against 3.75% for EASG.
Holdings Overlap
24.6% of AFDM's money is in holdings EASG also owns. 20.0% of EASG's money is in holdings AFDM also owns.
AFDM and EASG share little of their money.
42 positions in common, counted across the 178 positions we hold weights for in AFDM and 356 in EASG, against full books of 178 and 361.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 4 positions for EASG that do not appear in our book for AFDM (1.1% of the fund), and 8 for AFDM that do not appear in EASG (4.2%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFDM | Weight in EASG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:ASASML Holding NV - Ordinary Shares | 2.20% | 5.68% | 3.48% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 0.75% | 3.05% | 2.30% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag Ordinary Shares | 1.13% | 2.43% | 1.30% |
| SCHN:PASchneider Electric Se | 0.25% | 1.64% | 1.39% |
| ULVR:LNUnilever Plc Ordinary Shares | 0.54% | 1.21% | 0.67% |
| 6981:JPMurata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Com Stk | 0.56% | 0.64% | 0.08% |
| REP:MARepsol Sa Sp/Adr Ordinary Shares | 0.87% | 0.30% | 0.57% |
| EVK:FFEvonik Industries Ag | 1.10% | 0.05% | 1.05% |
| III:LN3i Group Plc | 0.80% | 0.32% | 0.48% |
| AD:ASKoninklijke Ahold N.v. | 0.81% | 0.27% | 0.54% |
24.6% of AFDM is already inside EASG.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFDM or EASG?
AFDM has an expense ratio of 0.83% while EASG charges 0.14%. EASG is the cheaper option, by $69 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, AFDM or EASG?
AFDM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 16.2% for EASG. Worst drawdown: AFDM -35.9% vs EASG -32.3%.
Should I hold both AFDM and EASG?
AFDM and EASG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFDM and EASG?
24.6% of AFDM's money is in holdings EASG also owns. 20.0% of EASG's is in holdings AFDM also owns. They hold 42 positions in common, counted across the 178 positions we hold weights for in AFDM and 356 in EASG.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFDM or EASG?
AFDM yields 3.47% while EASG yields 3.75%, so EASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is EASG better than AFDM?
EASG has a lower expense ratio. AFDM led over the full window, EASG over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. AFDM is less concentrated, with 15.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.5%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.