IEFA vs IWM
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.46%. Launched in 2012, the fund has a 14-year track record.
iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) 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 moderate expense ratio of 0.19%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.02%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IEFA is significantly cheaper at 0.07% vs 0.19% expense ratio, saving you approximately $237 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. IWM has edged ahead over the past year (25.1% vs 21.2%). Income investors may prefer IEFA for its higher yield (3.5% vs 1.0%).
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)
IEFA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 2.18% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 1.25% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.21% |
| Roche Holding AG!swx/ROP | 1.17% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 1.16% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 1.12% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 1.05% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.85% |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia!asx/CBA | 0.85% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 0.81% |
IWM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Bloom Energy CorporationBE | 1.01% |
| FabrinetFN | 0.69% |
| Nextpower Inc.NXT | 0.61% |
| COEUR MINING INCCDE.NE | 0.60% |
| EchoStar CorporationSATS | 0.54% |
| Credo Technology Group Holding LtdCRDO | 0.53% |
| Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.KTOS | 0.45% |
| Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.STRL | 0.43% |
| Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.AEIS | 0.41% |
| Hecla Mining CompanyHL | 0.39% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IEFA if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IWM if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose IEFA if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.