EFAV vs VXUS
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.88% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.77% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.47% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFAV vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) 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 EFAV returned +12.77% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, EFAV is up 7.88% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFAV compounded at +14.47% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EFAV has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAV charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAV currently yields 3.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFAV and VXUS share 142 holdings out of 7969 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAV or VXUS?
EFAV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAV or VXUS?
Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFAV annualized +7.11% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.2% for EFAV. Worst drawdown: EFAV -38.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFAV and VXUS?
EFAV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAV and VXUS?
EFAV and VXUS share 142 common holdings with a 12.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAV or VXUS?
EFAV yields 3.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EFAV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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