VB vs. EFA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while EFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.61%/yr vs 9.84%/yr for EFA. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for EFA.

Performance

VB vs. EFA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 15.33% return, which is significantly higher than EFA's 9.36% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed EFA with an annualized return of 11.61%, while EFA has yielded a comparatively lower 9.84% annualized return.

VB

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 3.26%
• YTD: 15.33%
• 6M: 13.69%
• 1Y: 30.83%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 11.61%

EFA

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 1.51%
• YTD: 9.36%
• 6M: 10.80%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 9.84%

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

VB vs. EFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.33%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	9.36%	31.55%	3.49%	18.36%	-14.39%	11.45%	7.60%	22.04%	-13.82%	25.07%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and EFA is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.76

The correlation between VB and EFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. EFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	EFA
Industrials	20.8%	18.9%
Technology	17.2%	12.1%
Financial Services	12.6%	24.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	7.4%
Healthcare	11.1%	10.1%
Real Estate	7.6%	1.6%
Basic Materials	4.8%	6.2%
Energy	4.7%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	6.7%
Utilities	3.3%	3.7%
Communication Services	3.1%	4.6%

Return for Risk

VB vs. EFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 64
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

EFA

EFA Risk / Return Rank: 42
EFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EFA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
EFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EFA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

VB vs. EFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). 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.

	VB	EFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.31	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	1.91	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.24	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.21	1.79	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	6.67	+5.13

VB vs. EFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is higher than the EFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and EFA, 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

VB vs. EFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, roughly equal to the maximum EFA drawdown of -61.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and EFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	EFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-61.04%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-11.42%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-14.05%	-11.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-29.53%	+1.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-34.19%	-7.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.61%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-11.92%	+3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	3.07%	-0.63%

Volatility

VB vs. EFA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) have volatilities of 5.41% and 5.50%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	EFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	5.50%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	13.19%	-0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.68%	15.64%	+1.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.80%	16.58%	+4.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.44%	17.27%	+4.17%

VB vs. EFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than EFA's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

VB vs. EFA - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than EFA's 3.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	3.09%	3.38%	3.24%	2.98%	2.69%	3.33%	2.13%	3.10%	3.39%	2.57%	3.07%	2.76%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.18%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and EFA in my portfolio?

VB and EFA have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VB or EFA?

EFA has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to VB (5.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs EFA's -61.04%.

Which ETF is better, VB or EFA?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.61% vs 9.84% for EFA. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or EFA?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.61% return vs 9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or EFA?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for EFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VB or EFA?

EFA has the higher dividend yield at 3.09%, compared with 1.18% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and EFA?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while EFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while EFA tracks MSCI EAFE Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.32% for EFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.31), 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.