EFA vs IJR
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF vs iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.32%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.29%. Launched in 2001, the fund has a 25-year track record.
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IJR is significantly cheaper at 0.06% vs 0.32% expense ratio, saving you approximately $512 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. EFA has edged ahead over the past year (20.5% vs 19.2%). Income investors may prefer EFA for its higher yield (3.3% vs 1.3%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
EFA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 2.54% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 1.46% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.41% |
| Roche Holding AG!swx/ROP | 1.36% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 1.36% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 1.31% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 1.22% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 1.00% |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia!asx/CBA | 0.99% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 0.95% |
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.37% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.54% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.52% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.52% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.51% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.50% |
| SM Energy CompanySM | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IJR if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EFA if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.