EFRA vs VXUS
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials 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 | EFRA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.07% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.77% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.29% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFRA vs VXUS Performance
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (EFRA) 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 EFRA returned +11.29% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EFRA is up 9.77% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFRA compounded at +12.26% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, EFRA has the edge at +14.14% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -17.9% for EFRA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFRA charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFRA currently yields 4.07% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFRA and VXUS share 45 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFRA or VXUS?
EFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFRA or VXUS?
Over the past year EFRA returned +11.29% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EFRA annualized +14.14% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFRA or VXUS?
EFRA has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFRA -17.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFRA and VXUS?
EFRA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFRA and VXUS?
EFRA and VXUS share 45 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFRA or VXUS?
EFRA yields 4.07% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EFRA 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.