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IEFA vs VXUS: Performance & Backtest Comparison
IEFA delivered the higher return - 8.35% CAGR vs 7.75% - over 2012-11-30 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IEFA | VXUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF |
| CAGR | 8.35% | 7.75% |
| Total return | 201.05% | 179.18% |
| Volatility | 14.38% | 14.35% |
| Max drawdown | -28.58%Sep 2022 | -28.32%Sep 2022 |
| Sharpe | 0.51 | 0.48 |
| Sortino | 0.79 | 0.71 |
| Best year | 32.08% | 32.35% |
| Worst year | -15.21% | -16.10% |
| Final balance | $30,105 | $27,918 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.98. 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, IEFA or VXUS?
Over 2012-11-30 to 2026-07-31, IEFA performed better: 8.35% annualized versus 7.75% for VXUS, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IEFA and VXUS?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.98 over the common period. IEFA is iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF; VXUS is Vanguard Total International Stock ETF.
Which is riskier, IEFA or VXUS?
Over the common period IEFA had 14.38% annualized volatility and a -28.58% max drawdown, versus 14.35% and -28.32% for VXUS.