EFAV vs VOO
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.88% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.77% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.47% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EFAV vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EFAV is up 7.88% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EFAV compounded at +14.47% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 11.2% for EFAV. 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 -38.3% for EFAV and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAV charges 0.20% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAV currently yields 3.26% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAV or VOO?
EFAV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAV or VOO?
Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFAV annualized +7.11% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.2% for EFAV. Worst drawdown: EFAV -38.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EFAV and VOO?
EFAV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAV and VOO?
EFAV and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 753 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAV or VOO?
EFAV yields 3.26% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EFAV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.