EFA ETF — iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)

EFA is an ETF that tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (developed markets ex U.S. and Canada). As of August 28, 2026, its distribution rate is 3.04%, its trailing-12-month yield is 3.12%, its expense ratio is 0.32%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 78/100 (Generally safe). Fund total return is 402.2% over the past 25 years, 532.8 points behind SPY at 935.0%.

At the current 3.04% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $304 per year, or $25.33 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual semi-annual payments vary.

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

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Fund total return is 402.2% over the past 25 years, 532.8 points behind SPY at 935.0%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 11.4%.

EFA key facts

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

78 · Generally safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.37%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

08/12/2001

Expense ratio

0.32%

Distribution rate

3.04%

Distribution frequency

Semi-Annual

Trailing yield

3.12%

Last close

$107.72

AUM

$80,262,308,934

Market cap

$95,134,990,336

Average volume

13216869.0

Last dividend

$1.6360

Ex-dividend date

06/15/2026

Payment date

06/18/2026

Beta

0.87

P/E ratio

18.9544

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (3.04%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (3.12%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. Fund total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is what the fund did, not your personal gain/loss. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of August 28, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Primary sources: iShares fund 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.

Compare EFA

EFA vs similar funds:

• EFA vs VEA
• EFA vs IEFA

Frequently asked questions

More funds from iShares.