EFV vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFV returned 9.75%/yr vs 10.53%/yr for VBR. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EFV charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

EFV vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EFV achieves a 9.13% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 11.67% return. Over the past 10 years, EFV has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 9.75%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.53% annualized return.

EFV

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 12.94%
• 1Y: 27.83%
• 3Y*: 21.99%
• 5Y*: 12.07%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

VBR

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.39%
• YTD: 11.67%
• 6M: 11.95%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 16.44%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EFV vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	9.13%	42.22%	5.35%	18.85%	-5.22%	11.08%	-2.97%	15.80%	-14.67%	21.22%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	11.67%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between EFV and VBR is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2005	0.75

The correlation between EFV and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

EFV vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EFV	VBR
Financial Services	36.9%	17.6%
Industrials	10.2%	18.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.3%	4.0%
Basic Materials	7.5%	6.3%
Healthcare	7.2%	7.9%
Energy	7.0%	5.2%
Utilities	5.9%	4.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	12.4%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.5%
Technology	4.3%	10.6%
Real Estate	2.5%	10.1%

Return for Risk

EFV vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 55
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 52
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EFV vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	EFV	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.71	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.52	+0.20
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.93	-0.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	10.32	-0.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFV vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFV and VBR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EFV	VBR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	1.71	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	0.40	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.49	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.42	-0.15

Drawdowns

EFV vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFV drawdown since its inception was -63.94%, roughly equal to the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFV and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFV	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.94%	-61.98%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.90%	-8.85%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.72%	-24.19%	+10.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.84%	-24.19%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.16%	-45.28%	+2.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.51%	-0.39%	-2.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.83%	-8.27%	-6.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	2.50%	+0.41%

Volatility

EFV vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) has a higher volatility of 4.52% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.96%. This indicates that EFV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EFV	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	3.96%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	10.46%	+1.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	15.17%	-0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.96%	19.77%	-3.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.86%	21.73%	-3.87%

EFV vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFV has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFV vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

EFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than VBR's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	3.81%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.76%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFV and VBR in my portfolio?

EFV and VBR have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFV or VBR?

EFV has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to VBR (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFV dropped -63.94% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, EFV or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.53% vs 9.75% for EFV. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFV or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.53% return vs 9.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFV or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for EFV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EFV or VBR?

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 1.76% for VBR.

What is the main difference between EFV and VBR?

EFV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. EFV tracks MSCI EAFE Value Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for EFV and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EFV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.71), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.