EFV vs VXUS
EFV vs VXUS
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $28.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 427 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.08% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.61% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.33% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.79% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFV vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) 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 EFV returned +30.61% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, EFV is up 12.08% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFV compounded at +21.33% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.79% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EFV has the edge at +6.25% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% 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 -74.5% for EFV 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 0.94. 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 4.78% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFV and VXUS share 255 holdings out of 8004 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EFV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBA:LN | 3.09% | 0.72% | 2.37% |
| NESN:SM | 2.46% | 0.62% | 1.84% |
| SHEL | 2.01% | 0.54% | 1.47% |
| 8306:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FP:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 8316:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBE:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BBVA:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ULVR:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UCG:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EFV shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFV or VXUS?
Over the past year EFV returned +30.61% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so EFV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFV annualized +6.25% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFV or VXUS?
EFV has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFV -74.5% 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. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EFV and VXUS?
EFV and VXUS share 255 common holdings with a 17.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8004 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFV or VXUS?
EFV yields 4.78% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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