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ETF Comparison

IEFA vs VXUS: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Updated October 14, 2026

How these figures are calculated: methodology.

Best for

  • IEFAInvestors who want higher current income (3.43% paid over the past 12 months vs 2.38% for VXUS).
  • VXUSInvestors who want broad equity exposure.

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Total returns

100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year.

IEFA has lagged VXUS over the trailing twelve months, posting a 13.87% total return against 17.01%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: VXUS has compounded at 9.26% a year, against 9.20% for IEFA. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
SymbolYTD cumulative1Y cumulative3Y annualized5Y annualized10Y annualizedSince Oct 2012Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
IEFA8.92%13.87%18.45%8.41%9.20%8.06%15.2%0.821.21-13.8%
VXUS11.61%17.01%19.79%8.56%9.26%7.63%15.4%0.891.29-13.6%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of October 14, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year. “Since Oct 2012” measures every fund from October 22, 2012 — the start of shared available history — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.

Side-by-side snapshot

Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric; each column is one fund.
MetricIEFAVXUS
Full nameiShares Core MSCI EAFE ETFVanguard Total International Stock ETF
IssueriSharesVanguard
Underlying indexMSCI EAFE IMI IndexFTSE Global All Cap ex US Index
Last Close$95.87 as of October 14, 2026$83.58 as of October 14, 2026
Distribution rate3.29%0.75%
Trailing 12-month yield3.43%2.38%
Distribution Safety Score™ 7561
Safety-Adjusted Yield 2.47%0.46%
Expense ratio0.07%0.05%
AUM$189B$164B
Distribution frequencySemi-AnnualQuarterly
ObjectiveProvide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials.Track the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, covering non-U.S. developed and emerging stocks.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date10/18/201201/26/2011
Beta0.890.92
Last dividend$1.578$0.156
Ex-dividend date06/15/202609/18/2026

Bottom lineChoose IEFA if you want higher current income (3.43% paid over the past 12 months vs 2.38% for VXUS). Choose VXUS if you want broad equity exposure.

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Income calculator

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iShares
ETFs467
Total AUM$4.70T

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

iShares, operated by BlackRock, is one of the largest and most established ETF providers globally, known for offering broad, liquid index-tracking funds across nearly all asset classes and investment styles. The lineup encompasses a comprehensive range of strategies including core equity and bond exposure, dividend and income-focused funds, covered call strategies, ESG and thematic investments, factor-based approaches, alternatives, commodities, and municipal bonds, serving both individual and institutional investors. With numerous popular ticker symbols and extensive diversification across geographies, sectors, and investment objectives, iShares provides one of the market's widest selections of ETFs for building diversified portfolios.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IEFA.

See all ETFs from iShares
Vanguard
ETFs116
Total AUM$4.71T

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

Vanguard is one of the largest and most established ETF issuers, known for low-cost, broadly diversified fund offerings built on passive indexing principles. Their lineup spans multiple asset classes and strategies, including core equity and bond index funds, dividend-focused portfolios, ESG-screened options, factor-based strategies, sector exposure, target-date retirement funds, and international investments across developed and emerging markets. The platform is characterized by its emphasis on accessibility and cost efficiency across a comprehensive range of fund families, serving both individual investors seeking broad market exposure and those pursuing specific income, sustainability, or thematic objectives.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VXUS.

See all ETFs from Vanguard

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Quick verdict

IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

IEFA has paid the higher yield over the past 12 months, 3.43% vs 2.38% for VXUS. We compare trailing 12-month yields here because VXUS's latest distribution annualizes to 0.75% against 2.38% actually paid over the past 12 months, so annualizing a single payment would misstate its income.

VXUS is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.05% compared to 0.07%.

They have different reference exposures: IEFA is linked to MSCI EAFE IMI Index while VXUS is linked to FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, which means their performance drivers differ.

IEFA is the larger fund by assets ($189B), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.

Who should choose each?

Choose IEFA

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

  • Want higher current income — IEFA yields 3.43% paid over the past 12 months vs 2.38% for VXUS.
  • Want broad equity exposure.

Choose VXUS

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

  • Want broad equity exposure.
  • Want to keep costs low — a 0.05% expense ratio vs 0.07% for IEFA.

Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, IEFA would generate roughly $164.50 cash per distribution, while VXUS would produce $18.75 cash per distribution, at current distribution rates.

IEFA yield3.29%
VXUS yield0.75%
Cash diff on $10K$145.75

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, IEFA would cost approximately $70 in fees vs $50 for VXUS (simplified, not compounded). The $20.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

IEFA ER0.07%
VXUS ER0.05%

Strategy & risk

IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index with an international approach, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with an international approach. Beta is 0.89 for IEFA and 0.92 for VXUS — effectively similar market sensitivity.

IEFA beta0.89
VXUS beta0.92

Fund details

IEFA is managed by iShares (launched 10/18/2012) with $189B in assets. VXUS is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2011) with $164B in assets.

IEFA AUM$189B
VXUS AUM$164B
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Frequently asked questions

What is the current distribution rate for IEFA and VXUS?

IEFA currently distributes 3.29% and VXUS 0.75%, based on fund data updated October 2026. Distribution rate moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.

Is IEFA or VXUS better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. IEFA has paid the higher trailing 12-month yield (3.43% vs 2.38%). We compare trailing 12-month yields here because VXUS's latest distribution annualizes to 0.75% against 2.38% actually paid over the past 12 months, so annualizing a single payment would misstate its income. 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 and VXUS?

IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index with an international approach, while VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with an international approach. They are issued by iShares and Vanguard respectively.

Can I hold both IEFA and VXUS?

Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.

Is IEFA or VXUS safer?

By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — IEFA scores 75, VXUS scores 61, so IEFA's payout currently looks the more resilient of the two. No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee.

Which has lower fees, IEFA or VXUS?

IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in IEFA vs VXUS generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in IEFA would generate roughly $164.50 cash per distribution ($329.00 annually). The same in VXUS would produce about $18.75 cash per distribution ($75.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, IEFA or VXUS?

IEFA has lagged VXUS over the trailing twelve months, posting a 13.87% total return against 17.01%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: VXUS has compounded at 9.26% a year, against 9.20% for IEFA. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

IEFA vs VXUS — at a glance

Generated October 10, 2026.

Overview

IEFA and VXUS both track international equity indexes excluding the U.S., but they differ in scope and yield structure.

How they differ

The first and largest difference is index composition. IEFA covers developed markets (Europe, Australia, Far East) plus some small-cap exposure; VXUS adds a meaningful emerging-markets allocation, making it geographically broader. That explains the yield gap: IEFA's 3.29% distribution rate sits well above VXUS's 0.75%, likely because developed-market dividend payers make up a larger portion of IEFA's basket. VXUS is slightly cheaper to own at 0.05% versus 0.07%, a 0.02% basis-point difference. Both have similar beta profiles (0.89 and 0.92, respectively), indicating comparable sensitivity to international equity moves. VXUS holds $164B, while IEFA manages $189B.

Who each is best for

IEFA: Fits investors prioritizing current dividend income from developed-market stocks and comfortable with semi-annual distributions. The higher yield appeals to income-focused portfolios seeking regular cash flow from established international companies.

VXUS: Designed for investors seeking broader geographic diversification across developed and emerging markets with lower expenses, and who don't require outsized current yield. The quarterly payout frequency works better for those preferring more frequent distributions.

Key risks to know

  • Index concentration in developed markets (IEFA): The MSCI EAFE IMI's focus on Europe and developed Asia means significant exposure to currency and economic cycles in specific developed regions, with limited emerging-market ballast that VXUS provides.
  • Emerging-market volatility (VXUS): While broader diversification is an advantage, the inclusion of emerging-market stocks exposes VXUS to higher volatility, currency risk, and political uncertainty in developing economies.
  • Currency fluctuation: Both funds hold non-U.S. stocks and are unhedged, so weakness in the euro, yen, pound, or other foreign currencies can drag on returns for dollar-based investors, regardless of underlying equity performance.
  • Yield sourced from repatriated foreign dividends: IEFA's elevated distribution rate depends on high dividend-paying stocks in developed markets; if those companies cut payouts or shift to buybacks, the distribution rate will decline.

Bottom line

If you prioritize current income and developed-market focus, IEFA's higher yield stands out; if you want lower costs and broader emerging-market exposure, VXUS's combination of wider geographic reach and cheaper fees merits consideration. Both aim to replicate their underlying indexes. Past performance does not predict future results.

AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.

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The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.

How to read a fund's stats How expense ratios eat returns Correlation between two funds

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These comparisons follow the Dividend Vision methodology.