IVW vs. IEFA

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

IVW (iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVW is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while IEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVW returned 18.03%/yr vs 9.55%/yr for IEFA. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVW charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.

Performance

IVW vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVW achieves a 12.13% return, which is significantly higher than IEFA's 10.53% return. Over the past 10 years, IVW has outperformed IEFA with an annualized return of 18.03%, while IEFA has yielded a comparatively lower 9.55% annualized return.

IVW

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 12.13%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 32.41%
• 3Y*: 26.28%
• 5Y*: 15.23%
• 10Y*: 18.03%

IEFA

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 10.53%
• 6M: 11.29%
• 1Y: 25.39%
• 3Y*: 16.23%
• 5Y*: 9.02%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

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

IVW vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVW iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF	12.13%	21.95%	35.82%	29.83%	-29.50%	31.80%	33.19%	30.77%	-0.21%	27.21%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	10.53%	32.08%	3.26%	17.95%	-15.24%	11.63%	8.18%	22.64%	-14.14%	26.57%

Correlation

The correlation between IVW and IEFA 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	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.73

The correlation between IVW and IEFA shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (3 years) to 0.73 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IVW vs. IEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVW	IEFA
Technology	53.0%	11.6%
Communication Services	15.8%	4.7%
Financial Services	8.6%	22.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	8.3%
Healthcare	5.7%	9.7%
Industrials	5.3%	20.1%
Utilities	1.2%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	6.2%
Real Estate	0.5%	2.9%
Basic Materials	0.3%	6.8%
Energy	0.1%	3.6%

Return for Risk

IVW vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVW

IVW Risk / Return Rank: 54
IVW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IVW Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IVW Omega Ratio Rank: 55
IVW Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IVW Martin Ratio Rank: 55

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 47
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 47
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
IEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

IVW vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA). 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.

	IVW	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.58	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.27	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	2.12	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	8.08	+1.14

IVW vs. IEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVW Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the IEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVW and IEFA, 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

IVW vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVW drawdown since its inception was -57.33%, which is greater than IEFA's maximum drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVW and IEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVW	IEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.33%	-34.78%	-22.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.75%	-11.50%	-2.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.15%	-13.76%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.72%	-30.41%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.72%	-34.78%	+2.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	0.00%	-2.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.59%	-6.67%	-10.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	3.02%	+0.42%

Volatility

IVW vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) has a higher volatility of 6.91% compared to iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) at 5.07%. This indicates that IVW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVW	IEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.91%	5.07%	+1.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.76%	13.10%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.88%	15.44%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.32%	16.59%	+4.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.70%	17.30%	+3.40%

IVW vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVW has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than IEFA's 0.07% 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

IVW vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison

IVW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than IEFA's 3.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	3.38%	3.55%	3.47%	3.20%	2.70%	3.32%	1.90%	3.18%	3.46%	2.57%	2.96%	2.63%
IVW iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.36%	0.40%	0.43%	1.03%	0.92%	0.46%	0.82%	1.63%	1.28%	1.30%	1.51%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVW and IEFA in my portfolio?

IVW and IEFA 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, IVW or IEFA?

IVW has higher volatility (6.91%) compared to IEFA (5.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVW dropped -57.33% vs IEFA's -34.78%.

Which ETF is better, IVW or IEFA?

On 10-year performance, IVW leads with 18.03% vs 9.55% for IEFA. On fees, IEFA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IEFA has been the lower-risk option at 5.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVW or IEFA?

Over the 10-year period, IVW has performed better with a 18.03% return vs 9.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVW or IEFA?

IEFA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for IVW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVW or IEFA?

IEFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 0.36% for IVW.

What is the main difference between IVW and IEFA?

IVW is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IEFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IVW tracks S&P 500 Growth Index, while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.18% for IVW and 0.07% for IEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.58), 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.