ETF Comparison
IEFA vs IXUS vs VEA vs VXUS: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF, Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| IEFA | IXUS | VEA | VXUS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | BlackRock | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Price | $91.91 | $87.61 | $65.14 | $78.01 |
| Distribution yield | 3.23% | 2.91% | 2.86% | 2.86% |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| AUM | $182.6B | $57.6B | $307.3B | $636.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Semi-Annual | Semi-Annual | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | MSCI EAFE IMI Index | MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index | FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index | FTSE Global All Cap ex US 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. | Track the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. | Track the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, covering non-U.S. developed and emerging stocks. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/18/2012 | 10/18/2012 | 07/20/2007 | 01/26/2011 |
| Beta | 1.02 | 1.0 | 1.06 | 0.99 |
| Last dividend | $1.71 | $1.57 | $0.11 | $0.08 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/16/2025 | 12/16/2025 | 03/20/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF), IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF), VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF), VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are popular dividend ETFs that take different approaches.
IEFA offers the highest yield at 3.23%, followed by IXUS at 2.91%, VEA at 2.86%, VXUS at 2.86%.
VEA is the cheapest with an expense ratio of 0.03%, compared to 0.05% for VXUS and 0.07% for IEFA and 0.07% for IXUS.
VXUS is the largest fund by assets ($636.7B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment: IEFA generates ~$26.92/month, IXUS generates ~$24.25/month, VEA generates ~$23.83/month, VXUS generates ~$23.83/month at current distribution rates.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000: IEFA costs ~$70, IXUS costs ~$70, VEA costs ~$30, VXUS costs ~$50 in fees (simplified, not compounded).
Strategy & risk
IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach; IXUS tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach; VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. approach; VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse global all cap ex us index, covering non-u.s. developed and emerging stocks. approach.
Fund details
IEFA is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $182.6B in assets. IXUS is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $57.6B in assets. VEA is managed by Vanguard (launched 07/20/2007) with $307.3B in assets. VXUS is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2011) with $636.7B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Which of IEFA, IXUS, VEA, and VXUS is best for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. IEFA currently offers the highest 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 IEFA, IXUS, VEA, and VXUS?
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. strategy, issued by BlackRock. 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, issued by BlackRock. VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. strategy, issued by Vanguard. VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse global all cap ex us index, covering non-u.s. developed and emerging stocks. strategy, issued by Vanguard.
Can I hold IEFA, IXUS, VEA, and VXUS together?
Yes. Many income investors hold multiple dividend ETFs to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has the lowest fees among IEFA, IXUS, VEA, and VXUS?
IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07%, IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07%, VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03%, VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 generate in each?
$10,000 in IEFA yields ~$26.92/month ($323.00/year). $10,000 in IXUS yields ~$24.25/month ($291.00/year). $10,000 in VEA yields ~$23.83/month ($286.00/year). $10,000 in VXUS yields ~$23.83/month ($286.00/year).
More comparisons to explore
People also compare IEFA with
People also compare IXUS with
Popular comparisons
Go deeper
Use the full ETF Comparator to add more funds, view radar charts, and generate AI reports.