EFA vs VEA
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF compared with Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EFA
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
VEA
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- EFA yields more today: 3.04% vs 2.05% (forward).
- EFA has grown its payout faster: 13.4%/yr vs -9.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
- EFA pays twice a year; VEA pays every quarter.
- Over the last year VEA delivered the higher total return: +28.2% vs +21.5% (price change plus payouts).
- VEA is cheaper to own: 0.03% vs 0.32% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EFA | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $107.77 | $73.46 |
| TTM yield | 3.12% | 2.47% |
| Forward yield | 3.04% | 2.05% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.272 | $1.508 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Sep 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | +30.6% | -49.8% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +13.4% | -9.6% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 4 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 59/100 | 54/100 |
| 1-year total return | +21.5% | +28.2% |
| 1-year price return | +17.8% | +25.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 79.3B | 322.8B |
| Years paying | 24.9 | 18.7 |
| Sector / category | Foreign Large Blend | Foreign Large Blend |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| EFA | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 92.8 | 136.1 |
| Income per year | $304 | $205 |
| Income per month (avg) | $25 | $17 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFA Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $1.636 | Est. |
| EFA Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $1.636 | Est. |
| VEA Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $0.377 | Est. |
| VEA Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.377 | Est. |
| VEA Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $0.377 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EFAVEA
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, EFA or VEA?
EFA currently has the higher trailing yield: EFA yields 3.12% and VEA yields 2.47%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EFA and VEA pay?
EFA pays twice a year and VEA pays every quarter. EFA's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and VEA's is Sep 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EFA or VEA?
EFA has grown its payout faster: 13.4%/yr vs -9.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is EFA or VEA better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EFA and VEA differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.