Correlation Between IShares MSCI and First Trust

Can any of the company-specific risk be diversified away by investing in both IShares MSCI and First Trust at the same time? Although using a correlation coefficient on its own may not help to predict future stock returns, this module helps to understand the diversifiable risk of combining IShares MSCI and First Trust into the same portfolio, which is an essential part of the fundamental portfolio management process.

By analyzing existing cross correlation between iShares MSCI EAFE and First Trust Intl, you can compare the effects of market volatilities on IShares MSCI and First Trust and check how they will diversify away market risk if combined in the same portfolio for a given time horizon. You can also utilize pair trading strategies of matching a long position in IShares MSCI with a short position of First Trust. Check out your portfolio center. Please also check ongoing floating volatility patterns of IShares MSCI and First Trust.

Diversification Opportunities for IShares MSCI and First Trust

0.95

Correlation Coefficient

IShares MSCI  First Trust

Almost no diversification

The 3 months correlation between IShares and First is 0.95. Overlapping area represents the amount of risk that can be diversified away by holding iShares MSCI EAFE and First Trust Intl in the same portfolio, assuming nothing else is changed. The correlation between historical prices or returns on First Trust Intl and IShares MSCI is a relative statistical measure of the degree to which these equity instruments tend to move together. The correlation coefficient measures the extent to which returns on iShares MSCI EAFE are associated (or correlated) with First Trust. Values of the correlation coefficient range from -1 to +1, where. The correlation of zero (0) is possible when the price movement of First Trust Intl has no effect on the direction of IShares MSCI i.e., IShares MSCI and First Trust go up and down completely randomly.

Pair Corralation between IShares MSCI and First Trust

Considering the 90-day investment horizon iShares MSCI EAFE is expected to generate 1.38 times more return on investment than First Trust. However, IShares MSCI is 1.38 times more volatile than First Trust Intl. It trades about 0.27 of its potential returns per unit of risk. First Trust Intl is currently generating about 0.18 per unit of risk. If you would invest  5,239  in iShares MSCI EAFE on December 28, 2024 and sell it today you would earn a total of  743.00  from holding iShares MSCI EAFE or generate 14.18% return on investment over 90 days.

Time Period	3 Months [change]
Direction	Moves Together
Strength	Very Strong
Accuracy	98.36%
Values	Daily Returns

iShares MSCI EAFE  vs.  First Trust Intl

iShares MSCI EAFE

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Solid

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in iShares MSCI EAFE are ranked lower than 21 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. In spite of fairly fragile technical and fundamental indicators, IShares MSCI showed solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

First Trust Intl

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Good

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in First Trust Intl are ranked lower than 14 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. In spite of rather uncertain forward indicators, First Trust may actually be approaching a critical reversion point that can send shares even higher in April 2025.

Pair Trading with IShares MSCI and First Trust

The main advantage of trading using opposite IShares MSCI and First Trust positions is that it hedges away some unsystematic risk. Because of two separate transactions, even if IShares MSCI position performs unexpectedly, First Trust can make up some of the losses. Pair trading also minimizes risk from directional movements in the market. For example, if an entire industry or sector drops because of unexpected headlines, the short position in First Trust will offset losses from the drop in First Trust's long position.

The idea behind iShares MSCI EAFE and First Trust Intl pairs trading is to make the combined position market-neutral, meaning the overall market's direction will not affect its win or loss (or potential downside or upside). This can be achieved by designing a pairs trade with two highly correlated stocks or equities that operate in a similar space or sector, making it possible to obtain profits through simple and relatively low-risk investment.

Check out your portfolio center.

Note that this page's information should be used as a complementary analysis to find the right mix of equity instruments to add to your existing portfolios or create a brand new portfolio. You can also try the Money Managers module to screen money managers from public funds and ETFs managed around the world.