PABD vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PABD (iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - PABD tracks the MSCI World ex USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select Index - Benchmark TR Net while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PABD returned 19.72% vs 30.28% for VEA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PABD charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

PABD vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF (PABD) 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, PABD achieves a 6.96% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 13.11% return.

PABD

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 6.96%
• 6M: 6.59%
• 1Y: 19.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -3.07%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 13.11%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

PABD vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PABD iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF	6.96%	30.06%	5.32%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	13.11%	35.16%	5.96%

Correlation

The correlation between PABD and VEA is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 19, 2024	0.96

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

PABD vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PABD	VEA
Financial Services	29.8%	22.3%
Industrials	15.7%	17.5%
Technology	14.5%	16.6%
Healthcare	11.4%	7.6%
Real Estate	6.1%	2.5%
Basic Materials	5.0%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	5.5%
Utilities	4.4%	3.0%
Communication Services	3.1%	3.2%
Energy	0.2%	4.7%

Return for Risk

PABD vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PABD

PABD Risk / Return Rank: 36
PABD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
PABD Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
PABD Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PABD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
PABD Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 55
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

PABD vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF (PABD) 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.

	PABD	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	1.81	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	2.48	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.33	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.62	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.90	10.06	-4.17

PABD vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PABD Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PABD 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

PABD vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PABD drawdown since its inception was -13.37%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PABD and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PABD	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.37%	-60.68%	+47.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.55%	-11.63%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-3.07%	+1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.61%	-13.26%	+10.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.02%	+0.33%

Volatility

PABD vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF (PABD) is 5.21%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 7.09%. This indicates that PABD 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

	PABD	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	7.09%	-1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	14.74%	-1.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.03%	16.79%	-0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.66%	16.76%	-1.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.66%	17.21%	-1.55%

PABD vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PABD has a 0.12% 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

PABD vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

PABD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than VEA's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PABD iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI World Ex USA ETF	3.05%	2.74%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.58%	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 PABD and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PABD 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, PABD or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (7.09%) compared to PABD (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PABD dropped -13.37% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, PABD or VEA?

On 1-year performance, VEA leads with 30.28% vs 19.72% for PABD. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, PABD has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PABD or VEA?

Over the 1-year period, VEA has performed better with a 30.28% return vs 19.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PABD or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for PABD.

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

PABD has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 2.58% for VEA.

What is the main difference between PABD and VEA?

PABD tracks MSCI World ex USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for PABD and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.24), 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.