EFA vs VXUS
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $80.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.31% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.88% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.35% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 14, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFA vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFA returned +21.88% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, EFA is up 13.31% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFA compounded at +19.35% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EFA has the edge at +6.83% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -60.0% for EFA and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFA charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFA currently yields 3.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFA and VXUS share 456 holdings out of 8084 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFA or VXUS?
EFA has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFA or VXUS?
Over the past year EFA returned +21.88% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFA annualized +6.83% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFA or VXUS?
EFA has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFA -60.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFA and VXUS?
EFA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EFA and VXUS?
EFA and VXUS share 456 common holdings with a 34.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8084 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFA or VXUS?
EFA yields 3.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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