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EFA vs VEA: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VEA delivered the higher return - 5.11% CAGR vs 3.87% - over 2007-08-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EFA | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 3.87% | 5.11% |
| Total return | 105.68% | 157.87% |
| Volatility | 17.56% | 17.81% |
| Max drawdown | -59.72%Feb 2009 | -57.05%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.23 | 0.29 |
| Sortino | 0.32 | 0.41 |
| Best year | 31.55% | 35.17% |
| Worst year | -42.85% | -40.62% |
| Final balance | $20,568 | $25,787 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 1.00. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, EFA or VEA?
Over 2007-08-31 to 2026-07-31, VEA performed better: 5.11% annualized versus 3.87% for EFA, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are EFA and VEA?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 1.00 over the common period. EFA is iShares MSCI EAFE ETF; VEA is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF.
Which is riskier, EFA or VEA?
Over the common period EFA had 17.56% annualized volatility and a -59.72% max drawdown, versus 17.81% and -57.05% for VEA.