International ETFs: EEM and IEFA Offer Distinct Global ETF Choices
Key Points
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
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iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEMKT:IEFA) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:EEM) differ sharply in cost, yield, sector exposure, and recent returns, reflecting their distinct focuses on developed versus emerging markets.
IEFA targets developed markets outside the United States and Canada, providing broad diversification across Europe, Asia, and Australia. EEM, in contrast, invests in large- and mid-cap companies from emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America. This comparison explores how these two global equity ETFs stack up on cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup.
Snapshot (cost & size)
| Metric | IEFA | EEM |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | IShares | IShares |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.72% |
| 1-yr return (as of 2026-03-24) | 14.5% | 26.2% |
| Dividend yield | 3.6% | 2.2% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.64 |
| AUM | $166.7 billion | $25.2 billion |
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.
EEM’s expense ratio is substantially higher than IEFA’s, making IEFA far more affordable for long-term holders. IEFA also offers a higher dividend yield, making it more appealing to income-focused investors seeking steady payouts.
Performance & risk comparison
| Metric | IEFA | EEM |
|---|---|---|
| Max drawdown (five years) | -30.41% | -37.82% |
| Growth of $1,000 over five years | $1,235 | $1,089 |
What's inside
EEM tracks large- and mid-cap companies from emerging economies, leaning heavily on technology (34%) and Asian giants. Its top holdings are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing(NYSE:TSM) at 12.51%, Samsung Electronics Ltd(FRA:SSU) at 5.24%, and Tencent Holdings Ltd(OTC:TCEHY) at 3.67%. With 1,223 holdings and a fund age of 23 years, EEM provides deep exposure to emerging-market growth stories but is concentrated in a few tech giants.
IEFA, meanwhile, covers more than 2,600 companies from developed markets, with a tilt toward financial services (22%) and industrials (21%). Its largest positions include Asml Holding Nv(NASDAQ:ASML), Astrazeneca Plc(NYSE:AZN), and Novartis Ag(NYSE:NVS), each accounting for less than 2.3% of assets. IEFA’s diversification is broader, and its sector mix tends toward stability and income over high-octane growth.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
What this means for investors
International stocks are an important part of most investment portfolios. Here is how two key international exchange-traded funds (ETFs), iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), match up.
Let’s start with IEFA. This fund holds 2,600 stocks across many developed markets. Its chief advantage over EEM is its low fees. IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07%, while EEM has an expense ratio of 0.72%. IEFA also has a higher dividend yield of 3.6%, while EEM has a dividend yield of 2.2%.
EEM, on the other hand, is an emerging markets ETF. Therefore, it is more oriented to higher-risk growth stocks. EEM has performed well over the last year, recording a return of 26.2%, while IEFA has returned 14.5%.
In summary, IEFA is better suited to income-oriented investors, those who are more risk-averse, and cost-conscious investors. Meanwhile, more aggressive investors may favor EEM for its potential to deliver outsize returns.
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Jake Lerch has positions in Novartis. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, AstraZeneca Plc, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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