IDEV vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IDEV (iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IDEV tracks the MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IDEV returned 9.19%/yr vs 10.37%/yr for VEA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IDEV charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IDEV vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDEV achieves a 10.38% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return.

IDEV

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 10.38%
• 6M: 10.58%
• 1Y: 26.25%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 9.19%
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

IDEV vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	10.38%	32.56%	4.54%	17.36%	-14.99%	13.00%	8.32%	23.12%	-14.10%	17.43%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	18.02%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEV and VEA is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2017	0.98

The correlation between IDEV and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDEV vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDEV	VEA
Financial Services	24.0%	22.3%
Industrials	18.8%	17.5%
Technology	11.1%	16.6%
Healthcare	8.5%	7.6%
Basic Materials	8.3%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	5.5%
Energy	5.4%	4.7%
Communication Services	4.3%	3.2%
Utilities	3.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.7%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IDEV vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDEV

IDEV Risk / Return Rank: 52
IDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
IDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 52
IDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

IDEV vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IDEV	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.16	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.93	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	3.06	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	11.80	-2.59

IDEV vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDEV and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IDEV vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEV drawdown since its inception was -34.77%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEV and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEV	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.77%	-60.68%	+25.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-11.63%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-13.45%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.15%	-29.71%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	0.00%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.53%	-13.26%	+6.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	3.01%	-0.15%

Volatility

IDEV vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) is 4.70%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that IDEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDEV	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	6.32%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	14.39%	-1.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.97%	16.52%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.33%	16.71%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	17.38%	-0.10%

IDEV vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEV has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IDEV vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IDEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	3.20%	3.40%	3.30%	3.07%	2.69%	3.05%	2.00%	3.18%	3.16%	1.54%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEV and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IDEV and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IDEV or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to IDEV (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDEV dropped -34.77% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IDEV or VEA?

On 5-year performance, VEA leads with 10.37% vs 9.19% for IDEV. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IDEV has been the lower-risk option at 4.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDEV or VEA?

Over the 5-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.37% return vs 9.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEV or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for IDEV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDEV or VEA?

IDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 2.50% for VEA.

What is the main difference between IDEV and VEA?

IDEV tracks MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IDEV and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.76), 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.