ETF Comparison
IXUS vs IEFA: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| IXUS | IEFA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | BlackRock |
| Price | $87.61 | $91.91 |
| Distribution yield | 2.91% | 3.23% |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| AUM | $57.6B | $182.6B |
| Distribution frequency | Semi-Annual | Semi-Annual |
| Underlying index | MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index | MSCI EAFE IMI Index |
| Objective | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/18/2012 | 10/18/2012 |
| Beta | 1.0 | 1.02 |
| Last dividend | $1.57 | $1.71 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/16/2025 | 12/16/2025 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both popular semi-annual-pay provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IEFA offers the higher yield at 3.23% vs 2.91% for IXUS. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
They track different benchmarks: IXUS is linked to MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
IEFA is the larger fund by assets ($182.6B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IXUS would generate roughly $24.25/month while IEFA would produce $26.92/month at current distribution rates. Both pay semi-annual distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IXUS would cost approximately $70 in fees vs $70 for IEFA (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach, while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index using a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy. Beta is 1.0 for IXUS and 1.02 for IEFA, indicating IXUS is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
IXUS is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $57.6B in assets. IEFA is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $182.6B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is IXUS or IEFA better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. IEFA currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between IXUS and IEFA?
IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy, while IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach. They are issued by BlackRock and BlackRock respectively.
Can I hold both IXUS and IEFA?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, IXUS or IEFA?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while IEFA charges 0.07%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IXUS vs IEFA generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in IXUS would generate roughly $24.25 per month ($291.00 annually). The same in IEFA would produce about $26.92 per month ($323.00 annually).
More comparisons to explore
People also compare IXUS with
People also compare IEFA with
Popular comparisons
Go deeper
Use the full ETF Comparator to add more funds, view radar charts, and generate AI reports.