EFV vs VXUS
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, EFV or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $30.7B | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 2.38% |
| Holdings | 842 | 9,293 |
| YTD Return | +14.44%Best | +8.79% |
| 1Y Return | +18.97%Best | +11.84% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.81%Best | +18.90% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.03%Best | +7.84% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $19,279Best | $14,585 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Nov 12, 2026 (15.8 years).
EFV vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.8 years both funds cover.
EFV vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFV returned +18.97% while VXUS returned +11.84%. Year to date, EFV is up 14.44% versus a gain of 8.79% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFV compounded at +23.81% per year against +18.90% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.03% and +7.84% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EFV has the edge at +6.89% annualized vs +4.43%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 15.0% 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 -43.2% for EFV and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFV charges 0.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $5 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFV currently yields 4.59% against 2.38% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EFV and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFV or VXUS?
EFV has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $26 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EFV or VXUS?
Over the past year EFV returned +18.97% vs +11.84% for VXUS, so EFV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFV annualized +6.89% vs +4.43% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EFV or VXUS?
EFV has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFV -43.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFV and VXUS?
EFV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFV or VXUS?
EFV yields 4.59% while VXUS yields 2.38%, so EFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than EFV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.