IEV vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IEV (iShares Europe ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEV is a Europe Equities fund tracking the S&P Europe 350 Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEV returned 10.28%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for VEA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IEV charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IEV vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Europe ETF (IEV) 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, IEV achieves a 7.36% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return. Over the past 10 years, IEV has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 10.28%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 11.06% annualized return.

IEV

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 7.36%
• 6M: 7.91%
• 1Y: 21.69%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 9.34%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

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)

IEV vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEV iShares Europe ETF	7.36%	35.63%	1.36%	20.14%	-14.24%	16.73%	4.07%	24.03%	-14.68%	24.84%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IEV and VEA is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.96

The correlation between IEV and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

IEV vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEV	VEA
Financial Services	24.5%	22.3%
Industrials	18.8%	17.5%
Healthcare	12.1%	7.6%
Technology	9.9%	16.6%
Consumer Defensive	8.6%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	7.4%
Basic Materials	5.5%	7.5%
Energy	4.6%	4.7%
Utilities	4.6%	3.0%
Communication Services	3.3%	3.2%
Real Estate	0.6%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IEV vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEV

IEV Risk / Return Rank: 39
IEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
IEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
IEV Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
IEV Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

IEV vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Europe ETF (IEV) 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.

	IEV	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.16	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	2.93	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.39	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	3.06	-1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.47	11.80	-5.33

IEV vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEV 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

IEV vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEV drawdown since its inception was -63.27%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEV and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEV	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.27%	-60.68%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-11.63%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.63%	-13.45%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.60%	-29.71%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.62%	-35.73%	-0.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	0.00%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.02%	-13.26%	-1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	3.01%	+0.35%

Volatility

IEV vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Europe ETF (IEV) is 4.90%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that IEV 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

	IEV	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	6.32%	-1.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.46%	14.39%	-0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.96%	16.52%	-0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	16.71%	+0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.61%	17.38%	+1.23%

IEV vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEV has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEV vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.81%, more than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEV iShares Europe ETF	2.81%	2.73%	3.10%	2.77%	3.06%	2.81%	1.76%	3.06%	3.43%	2.39%	3.08%	2.81%
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 IEV and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, IEV 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, IEV or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to IEV (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEV dropped -63.27% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IEV or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 11.06% vs 10.28% for IEV. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IEV has been the lower-risk option at 4.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEV or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 11.06% return vs 10.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEV or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for IEV.

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

IEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.81%, compared with 2.50% for VEA.

What is the main difference between IEV and VEA?

IEV is categorized as Europe Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IEV tracks S&P Europe 350 Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for IEV and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.37), 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.