How do the expense ratios compare and what does this mean for long-term investing?

IDEV has an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to IEFA's 0.07%. This represents a difference of 0.03 percentage points. While this difference might seem small, over extended periods, lower expenses can allow a greater proportion of investment returns to remain within the portfolio. When comparing funds, it is essential to consider how these fee structures impact net returns, particularly when both funds track similar asset classes. Investors should evaluate these ratios alongside other metrics such as historical performance and liquidity, understanding that fees are deducted from the fund's assets annually rather than being charged directly to the investor.

What is the geographical difference in the indices tracked by IDEV and IEFA?

Both IDEV and IEFA are designed to provide exposure to developed international markets, yet their geographical scope differs significantly. IDEV tracks the MSCI International Developed Markets Index, which offers a comprehensive view of developed markets including North America, specifically Canada. Conversely, IEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index, which excludes Canada and focuses strictly on Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. Therefore, investors comparing these funds are examining a difference in regional coverage: IDEV includes developed North America in its exposure, whereas IEFA provides a more traditional European and Asia-Pacific focus without the Canadian component.

How does the dividend yield comparison look between these two funds?

Data from 2026 indicates that IDEV provides a dividend yield of 3.14%, while IEFA offers a slightly higher yield of 3.32%. These yields represent annual income payments relative to the fund's price. The variation stems from the different market indices these funds track. As these funds distribute income from their underlying holdings, the higher yield of IEFA suggests its specific constituent companies in the EAFE region may currently be generating more distributable income. It is crucial for investors to understand that yields fluctuate with market prices and company performance, rather than remaining fixed.

How do differences in net assets and liquidity influence these ETFs?

IEFA commands a much larger net asset base at $192.2 billion compared to IDEV's $32.5 billion. In general, funds with higher net assets provide more liquidity, making it easier for investors to enter or exit positions without substantially affecting the price. IDEV, despite being younger with an inception in 2017 compared to IEFA's 2012, still maintains a sizeable and liquid asset base. This high level of liquidity ensures efficient trading and generally lower bid-ask spreads, which is a key factor for institutional and retail investors alike.

What does the historical data availability say about these funds?

As of the provided data, specific top holdings and sector weightings are currently not available for either IDEV or IEFA. Both funds operate in the Foreign Large Blend category. While we know their inception dates and expense ratios, the lack of detailed index tracking data prevents a deep dive into their specific composition. For educational purposes, we must rely on their stated index targets to infer their broad market positions, acknowledging that the current data snapshot limits a granular analysis of the exact stocks held by each.

Do IDEV and IEFA have overlapping holdings?

According to the provided data, there is no overlap between the shared top 10 holdings of IDEV and IEFA. This distinct composition is expected given that their underlying indices—MSCI International Developed Markets and MSCI EAFE—operate under different selection rules and geographical criteria. This lack of direct holding overlap suggests that while both cover developed international equities, they offer differing portfolios of companies. This difference can influence how each fund performs relative to specific economic regions, highlighting that they are distinct vehicles rather than clones of one another.

Why is the inception date of these funds important for comparison?

IEFA has been operating since 18 October 2012, whereas IDEV was launched on 21 March 2017. The five-year difference in inception dates means IEFA has a longer track record. While historical performance of the fund itself is not provided here, a longer inception date generally implies a more established operational history and potentially a more mature portfolio rebalancing process. Conversely, the newer inception of IDEV might indicate a more recent strategy or product launch by the issuer, potentially featuring updated index methodologies. The age of the fund can also reflect its historical liquidity and stability in the market.

How do ETFs typically handle distributions?

Exchange-traded funds like IDEV and IEFA accumulate income from their underlying assets, such as dividends and interest. This income is then distributed to shareholders. In the case of these specific funds, they provide a 'dividend yield', which indicates the annual payout relative to the share price. For IDEV, this is 3.14%, and for IEFA, it is 3.32%. These yields are influenced by the performance of the underlying companies and how they pay out dividends. The distributions typically occur on a quarterly basis, though this is based on standard ETF mechanics rather than the limited specific fund data provided.

Which fund suits a strategy wanting to include Canadian markets?

Investors specifically seeking exposure to Canadian equities alongside other developed markets would find IDEV more appropriate. The fund tracks the MSCI International Developed Markets Index, which includes North America, and therefore Canada. In contrast, the IEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index, which strictly covers Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. IEFA explicitly excludes Canada, meaning it focuses only on non-North American developed markets. This fundamental difference in index coverage makes IDEV suitable for a broad developed-market mandate that includes the Canadian market.

Which fund suits an investor prioritising an established track record?

IEFA would typically align with investors prioritising a long-standing track record, having launched in 2012 with a massive net asset base of $192.2 billion. This long history and high liquidity provide a sense of operational stability. IDEV, launched in 2017 with $32.5 billion in assets, is younger and smaller. While it also offers lower fees and broader international exposure including Canada, it has a shorter history of operating as a standalone fund. An investor focused on longevity and maximum liquidity in the trading environment might look toward IEFA.

IDEV vs IEFA

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare IDEV and IEFA to evaluate expense ratios, net assets, dividend yields, and holdings data. IDEV tracks the MSCI International Developed Markets Index while IEFA tracks the MSCI EAFE Index. Use this page to analyse how each fund fits into a broader international equity strategy based on available metrics. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IDEV

Metric

IEFA

0.04%

Expense Ratio

0.07%

3.14%

Dividend Yield

3.32%

$32.50B

Net Assets

$192.23B

2,312

Holdings

2,657

Mar 21, 2017

Inception Date

Oct 18, 2012

–

Index Tracked

–

Foreign Large Blend

Fund Category

Foreign Large Blend

IDEV costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

IDEV

Pros

IDEV charges a lower expense ratio of 0.04% compared to the EAFE fund.
It provides broader exposure including Canada alongside traditional Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
The fund maintains substantial net assets of $32.5 billion supporting operational liquidity.

Considerations

Specific index tracking details and sector weightings are currently not available.
It has a significantly smaller asset base of $32.5 billion than the alternative.
The fund is younger with an inception date of 21 March 2017.

IEFA

Pros

IEFA holds a dominant asset base of $192.2 billion ensuring deep market liquidity.
It offers a longer track record with an inception date of 18 October 2012.
The fund generates a slightly higher dividend yield of 3.32% than the alternative.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.07% is higher than the comparable developed markets fund.
It excludes Canada from its index coverage unlike broader international developed market funds.
Detailed index tracking methodology and sector weights remain currently not available.

About IDEV and IEFA

IDEV (IDEV)

IDEV is an exchange-traded fund that provides broad exposure to developed market equities outside the United States and Canada. By tracking a major international developed market index, it holds a diverse portfolio of large and mid-cap companies across Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. With a very low expense ratio of 0.04%, it is designed to be a cost-effective building block for global diversification. The fund currently holds over 2,300 companies, offering investors a snapshot of international economic activity. While it offers a dividend yield, remember that values can rise and fall, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This ETF is generally suitable for investors looking to complement their domestic holdings with international exposure.

IEFA (IEFA)

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) offers investors a convenient way to access developed markets outside the United States and Canada. By holding a broad basket of over 2,600 stocks, this exchange-traded fund aims to track the performance of large and mid-cap companies across Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. It serves as a foundational tool for diversifying portfolios beyond domestic UK or US investments, potentially reducing concentration risk. With a low expense ratio of 0.07%, it remains cost-efficient for long-term holding. The fund also generates income through dividends, offering a yield of approximately 3.32%. Investors should note that while it provides exposure to major global economies, values and returns are not guaranteed. Currency fluctuations and differing economic conditions in these regions can impact performance. As with any investment, it is important to consider your own financial circumstances and risk tolerance before investing.

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IDEV vs IEFA

Fund Snapshot

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Investment Analysis

IDEV

Pros

Considerations

IEFA

Pros

Considerations

About IDEV and IEFA

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Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Frequently asked questions

How do the expense ratios compare and what does this mean for long-term investing?

What is the geographical difference in the indices tracked by IDEV and IEFA?

How does the dividend yield comparison look between these two funds?

How do differences in net assets and liquidity influence these ETFs?

What does the historical data availability say about these funds?

Do IDEV and IEFA have overlapping holdings?

Why is the inception date of these funds important for comparison?

How do ETFs typically handle distributions?

Which fund suits a strategy wanting to include Canadian markets?

Which fund suits an investor prioritising an established track record?

Fund Snapshot

About IDEV and IEFA

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AVDE vs IEFA

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