VEA vs. EFG

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and EFG (iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index while EFG tracks the MSCI EAFE Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.14%/yr vs 8.09%/yr for EFG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for EFG.

Performance

VEA vs. EFG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEA achieves a 12.02% return, which is significantly higher than EFG's 6.44% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has outperformed EFG with an annualized return of 10.14%, while EFG has yielded a comparatively lower 8.09% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 14.95%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 9.09%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

EFG

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 6M: 7.52%
• 1Y: 11.82%
• 3Y*: 10.54%
• 5Y*: 3.87%
• 10Y*: 8.09%

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

VEA vs. EFG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	12.02%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	6.44%	20.70%	1.53%	17.55%	-23.12%	11.01%	17.85%	27.47%	-12.93%	28.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and EFG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.96

The correlation between VEA and EFG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEA vs. EFG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	EFG
Financial Services	23.3%	10.6%
Industrials	19.2%	29.6%
Technology	13.8%	18.1%
Healthcare	8.2%	14.2%
Basic Materials	7.5%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	10.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	5.1%
Energy	5.4%	0.2%
Communication Services	3.4%	4.8%
Utilities	3.3%	1.1%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.0%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. EFG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 58

EFG

EFG Risk / Return Rank: 23
EFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
EFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
EFG Omega Ratio Rank: 21
EFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
EFG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

VEA vs. EFG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VEA	EFG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	0.68	+1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	1.07	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.13	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	0.93	+1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.39	3.41	+5.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEA vs. EFG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is higher than the EFG Sharpe Ratio of 0.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA and EFG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEA	EFG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	0.68	+1.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.21	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.46	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.29	-0.05

Drawdowns

VEA vs. EFG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, roughly equal to the maximum EFG drawdown of -58.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and EFG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	EFG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-58.40%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-12.78%	+1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-16.87%	+3.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-35.78%	+6.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-35.78%	+0.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.40%	-2.28%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-12.15%	-1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	3.47%	-0.47%

Volatility

VEA vs. EFG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) have volatilities of 6.03% and 5.78%, 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

	VEA	EFG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.03%	5.78%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	14.82%	-0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.15%	17.48%	-1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	18.18%	-1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	17.73%	-0.33%

VEA vs. EFG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than EFG's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. EFG - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, more than EFG's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF	2.37%	2.53%	1.64%	1.63%	1.27%	1.54%	0.85%	1.69%	1.98%	1.56%	2.20%	1.75%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.69%	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 VEA and EFG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VEA and EFG 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, VEA or EFG?

VEA has higher volatility (6.03%) compared to EFG (5.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs EFG's -58.40%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or EFG?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.14% vs 8.09% for EFG. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, EFG has been the lower-risk option at 5.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or EFG?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.14% return vs 8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or EFG?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for EFG.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 2.37% for EFG.

What is the main difference between VEA and EFG?

VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while EFG tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.40% for EFG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 0.68), 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.