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EFA vs VEA: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VEA delivered the higher return - 5.28% CAGR vs 4.70% - over 2007-08-31 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EFA | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 4.70% | 5.28% |
| Total return | 138.57% | 164.53% |
| Volatility | 17.52% | 17.84% |
| Max drawdown | -56.91%Feb 2009 | -57.05%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.27 | 0.30 |
| Sortino | 0.38 | 0.42 |
| Best year | 31.55% | 35.17% |
| Worst year | -40.69% | -40.62% |
| Final balance | $23,857 | $26,453 |
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 2026-06-30, VEA performed better: 5.28% annualized versus 4.70% 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 17.52% annualized volatility and a -56.91% max drawdown, versus 17.84% and -57.05% for VEA.