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EFA vs VWO: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VWO delivered the higher return - 7.06% CAGR vs 5.39% - over 2005-04-30 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EFA | VWO | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 5.39% | 7.06% |
| Total return | 206.51% | 328.41% |
| Volatility | 16.84% | 20.18% |
| Max drawdown | -59.72%Feb 2009 | -61.69%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.30 | 0.36 |
| Sortino | 0.41 | 0.50 |
| Best year | 31.55% | 76.31% |
| Worst year | -42.85% | -52.46% |
| Final balance | $30,651 | $42,841 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.85. 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 VWO?
Over 2005-04-30 to 2026-07-31, VWO performed better: 7.06% annualized versus 5.39% for EFA, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are EFA and VWO?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.85 over the common period. EFA is iShares MSCI EAFE ETF; VWO is Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF.
Which is riskier, EFA or VWO?
Over the common period EFA had 16.84% annualized volatility and a -59.72% max drawdown, versus 20.18% and -61.69% for VWO.