Overview
- VXUS includes emerging markets whereas IEFA confines itself to developed markets outside the U.S. and Canada, with IEFA described as slightly ahead over the latest one‑year period despite its narrower remit.
- Cost differences are minimal but present, with VXUS at 0.05% versus IEFA at 0.07%, and IEFA offering a higher dividend yield than VXUS.
- VXUS holds 8,691 stocks spanning Europe, emerging markets, the Pacific and a small North America slice, compared with IEFA’s 2,589 developed‑market holdings.
- SPGM blends U.S. and international stocks and has delivered stronger multi‑year results since 2021—helped by large U.S. tech stakes—whereas IXUS focuses solely on non‑U.S. equities, charges 0.07% versus SPGM’s 0.09%, and currently yields more.
- As of early February, IXUS outpaced SPGM over one year, and SCHF’s FTSE Developed ex US approach—adding South Korea and Canada—boosts technology exposure and differentiates its country mix from MSCI EAFE peers.