International ETFs: EEM and IEFA Offer Distinct Global ETF Choices

EEM's expense ratio is 10 times higher than IEFA, but it has outpaced IEFA over the past year EEM focuses on emerging markets and is heavily tilted toward technology and Asia, while IEFA covers developed markets with a financials and industrials tilt IEFA's yield is higher and its maximum drawdown is smaller, signaling lower risk and more income focus

The Motley Fool • 7 hours ago

iShares' Core ETF Has Been Beating the S&P 500 for 3 Years And Nobody's Talking About It

International developed markets have quietly staged a comeback. Over the trailing 12 months through early March 2026, the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) returned +22.88%, outpacing the S&P 500's +17.69% over the same stretch.

24/7 Wall Street • Mar 6, 2026

Better Global ETF Buy: Can Investors Earn More with IEFA or SPGM?

IEFA boasts a higher dividend yield and more assets under management than SPGM. SPGM delivers stronger five-year growth, but IEFA has outpaced it over the past year.

The Motley Fool • Feb 23, 2026

Why This International Dividend ETF is Outperforming in 2026

According to YCharts the Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV) has returned 8.95% year-to-date, narrowly outperforming the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA), which is up 8.75% over the same period. At first glance, the difference may appear modest.

ETF Trends • Feb 19, 2026

Better International ETF: iShares' IEFA vs. Schwab's SCHE

IEFA carries a higher yield and even larger asset base than SCHE. Both funds charge the same low expense ratio but differ in geographic and sector exposure.

The Motley Fool • Feb 14, 2026

IEFA vs. NZAC: How Does A Foreign Fund Matchup Against A Sustainable ETF?

IEFA charges a lower expense ratio and nearly doubles the dividend yield of NZAC's. IEFA's recent one-year return outpaced NZAC, but both saw similar five-year drawdowns.

The Motley Fool • Feb 8, 2026

Better iShares International ETF: IEFA vs. IXUS

IEFA carries an identical expense ratio to IXUS but offers a slightly higher dividend yield. IXUS delivered a stronger 1-year return and covers a broader set of international stocks, including emerging markets.

The Motley Fool • Feb 8, 2026

IEFA vs. IEMG: Comparing the Emerging and Developed Markets

IEFA has a slightly lower expense ratio and offers a higher dividend yield than IEMG. IEMG has outperformed IEFA over the past year, but IEFA has shown much higher price gains over a five-year period.

The Motley Fool • Feb 8, 2026

IEFA vs. SPGM: Does This Developed Markets ETF Have the Edge Over A Global ETF?

IEFA offers higher recent returns and a significantly higher dividend yield than SPGM. SPGM provides broader global exposure including U.S. and emerging markets, while IEFA focuses on developed markets outside North America.

The Motley Fool • Feb 8, 2026

International ETFs: VXUS Chases Global Growth While IEFA Prioritizes Predictability

VXUS covers both developed and emerging markets, while IEFA focuses only on developed markets excluding the U.S. and Canada. IEFA offers a slightly higher dividend yield but VXUS has outperformed on 1-year total return as of Jan. 30, 2026.

The Motley Fool • Feb 7, 2026