EFA ETF — iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)

Updated October 16, 2026.

EFA is an ETF that tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (developed markets ex U.S. and Canada). its distribution rate is 3.16%, its trailing-12-month yield is 3.25%, its expense ratio is 0.32%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 71/100 (Generally safe). Total return is 381.1% over the past 25.2 years, 548.2 points behind SPY at 929.3%.

This ETF tracks the MSCI EAFE Index, providing exposure to large- and mid-capitalization stocks in developed markets outside the U.S. and Canada. It distributes dividends semi-annually at a modest current rate, with an expense ratio of 0.32%. The fund appeals to investors seeking broad international equity exposure with a moderate income component.

EFA performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 381.1% over the past 25.2 years, 548.2 points behind SPY at 929.3%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 13.5%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 11.4%.

EFA key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

71 · Generally safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.24%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

08/12/2001

Expense ratio

0.32%

Distribution rate

3.16%

Distribution frequency

Semi-Annual

Trailing yield

3.25%

Last close

$103.55 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$76,809,000,640

Market cap

$95,134,990,336

Average volume

17034004.0

Dividend

$1.636

Ex-dividend date

06/15/2026

Payment date

06/18/2026

Beta

0.87

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (3.16%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (3.25%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: iShares or company page; Index: MSCI EAFE Index (developed markets ex U.S. and Canada); prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

EFA risks and drawbacks

EFA's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are semi-annual, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 11.4%.

Who may consider EFA — and who may not

EFA may suit someone looking for moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (EFA pays semi-annual); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on EFA

• EFA dividend calendar
• EFA dividend history
• All tickers starting with E

Tagged: Index.

Compare EFA

EFA vs similar funds:

• EFA vs VEA
• EFA vs IEFA

Frequently asked questions

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