VWO vs. IEFA

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and IEFA (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging 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, VWO returned 9.11%/yr vs 9.78%/yr for IEFA. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for IEFA.

Performance

VWO vs. IEFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) 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, VWO achieves a 13.17% return, which is significantly higher than IEFA's 10.18% return. Over the past 10 years, VWO has underperformed IEFA with an annualized return of 9.11%, while IEFA has yielded a comparatively higher 9.78% annualized return.

VWO

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 15.35%
• 1Y: 29.26%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 5.83%
• 10Y*: 9.11%

IEFA

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 3.53%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 11.10%
• 1Y: 23.18%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 8.34%
• 10Y*: 9.78%

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

VWO vs. IEFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	13.17%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	10.18%	32.08%	3.26%	17.95%	-15.24%	11.63%	8.18%	22.64%	-14.14%	26.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and IEFA is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.77

The correlation between VWO and IEFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWO vs. IEFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWO	IEFA
Technology	29.6%	11.6%
Financial Services	19.5%	22.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	8.3%
Industrials	8.0%	20.1%
Basic Materials	8.0%	6.8%
Communication Services	7.1%	4.7%
Energy	4.6%	3.6%
Healthcare	3.9%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	6.2%
Utilities	2.9%	3.5%
Real Estate	2.2%	2.9%

Return for Risk

VWO vs. IEFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 58
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 58

IEFA

IEFA Risk / Return Rank: 48
IEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
IEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 47
IEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
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.

VWO vs. IEFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) 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.

	VWO	IEFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.50	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.17	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.27	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.03	+0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.28	7.69	+1.58

VWO vs. IEFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the IEFA Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO 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

VWO vs. IEFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, which is greater than IEFA's maximum drawdown of -34.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and IEFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	IEFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-34.78%	-32.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-11.50%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-13.76%	-3.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.60%	-30.41%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	-34.78%	-1.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.57%	0.00%	-0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.80%	-6.68%	-9.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	3.02%	+0.14%

Volatility

VWO vs. IEFA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) has a higher volatility of 6.98% compared to iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) at 5.52%. This indicates that VWO'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

	VWO	IEFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.98%	5.52%	+1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.18%	13.12%	+1.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.62%	15.51%	+1.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	16.62%	+0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.24%	17.31%	+1.93%

VWO vs. IEFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% 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

VWO vs. IEFA - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.38%, less than IEFA's 4.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEFA iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF	4.90%	3.55%	3.47%	3.20%	2.70%	3.32%	1.90%	3.18%	3.46%	2.57%	2.96%	2.63%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.38%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWO and IEFA in my portfolio?

VWO and IEFA have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWO or IEFA?

VWO has higher volatility (6.98%) compared to IEFA (5.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs IEFA's -34.78%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or IEFA?

On 10-year performance, IEFA leads with 9.78% vs 9.11% for VWO. On fees, IEFA is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IEFA has been the lower-risk option at 5.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or IEFA?

Over the 10-year period, IEFA has performed better with a 9.78% return vs 9.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or IEFA?

IEFA is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for VWO.

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

IEFA has the higher dividend yield at 4.90%, compared with 2.38% for VWO.

What is the main difference between VWO and IEFA?

VWO is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while IEFA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while IEFA tracks MSCI EAFE IMI Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.07% for IEFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.50), 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.