IEFA vs IVV
IEFA vs IVV
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEFA offers more diversification with 1463 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEFA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $187.0B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,645 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.67% | +13.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.23% | +22.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.72% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
IEFA vs IVV Performance
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IEFA returned +22.23% while IVV returned +22.90%. Year to date, IEFA is up 10.67% versus a gain of 13.13% for IVV.
Over three years, IEFA compounded at +16.91% per year against +21.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.72% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IEFA has the edge at +8.38% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.3% for IEFA. 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 -34.8% for IEFA and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEFA charges 0.07% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEFA currently yields 3.40% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IEFA and IVV share 5 holdings out of 1963 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IEFA | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 1.13% | 0.05% | 1.08% |
| DG | 0.27% | 0.04% | 0.23% |
| XTSLA | 0.01% | 0.15% | 0.14% |
| EQT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings IEFA shares with IVV 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, IEFA or IVV?
IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEFA or IVV?
Over the past year IEFA returned +22.23% vs +22.90% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IEFA annualized +8.38% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEFA or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for IEFA. Worst drawdown: IEFA -34.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IEFA and IVV?
IEFA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEFA and IVV?
IEFA and IVV share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEFA or IVV?
IEFA yields 3.40% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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