Direct Answer
Major international ETFs cover developed markets (VEA, EFA, IEFA), all-world-ex-US (VXUS), or total international (IXUS). Vanguard's VEA (0.05%) and VXUS (0.07%) are the lowest-cost options. EFA (iShares, 0.32%) tracks the same developed markets as VEA but charges 6x more, making it inferior for long-term investors but useful for its deeper options chain.
International ETF Comparison
International ETF Comparison
| Ticker | Fund | Coverage | Expense Ratio | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEA | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets | Developed ex-US (~4,000 stocks) | 0.05% | ~$115B |
| IEFA | iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI | Developed ex-US (~3,300 stocks) | 0.07% | ~$105B |
| EFA | iShares MSCI EAFE | Developed ex-US, excl. Canada (~900 stocks) | 0.32% | ~$55B |
| VXUS | Vanguard Total Intl Stock | All ex-US developed+EM (~8,500 stocks) | 0.07% | ~$75B |
| IXUS | iShares Core MSCI Total Intl | All ex-US | 0.07% | ~$35B |
| VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets | Emerging markets only | 0.08% | ~$90B |
| EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets | Emerging markets | 0.68% | ~$18B |
Source: Vanguard: VEA ETF Details. Last verified: September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my portfolio should be international?
No universal rule exists, but frameworks range from market-cap-weighting (approximately 40% international, 60% U.S., matching global market weights) to moderate international tilt (20-30% international) to U.S.-only. Vanguard's target-date funds use approximately 40% international equity. Many U.S. investors hold 10-25% international. Arguments for more international: diversification, valuation (international stocks often cheaper), economic growth in emerging markets. Arguments for less: U.S. companies already have significant international revenue, U.S. has outperformed for 15+ years, higher international fund costs and currency risk.
Why has international underperformed the U.S. since 2010?
U.S. outperformance 2010-2024 was driven by: technology sector dominance (U.S. had Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta; international markets lacked similar mega-cap tech); U.S. dollar strength (which reduces international returns in USD); better earnings growth and return-on-equity for U.S. companies; and post-financial crisis structural reforms that worked faster in the U.S. Historical precedent suggests this gap will eventually narrow: international outperformed the U.S. from 2000-2009, and the starting valuations for international markets are significantly lower than U.S. valuations as of 2025.
Does VEA include Canada?
Yes. VEA (tracking FTSE Developed All Cap ex US) includes developed markets in Europe, Pacific, and other regions including Canada (approximately 8-9% of VEA). EFA (MSCI EAFE) explicitly excludes both the U.S. AND Canada by design (EAFE = Europe, Australasia, Far East). This is a meaningful difference: investors using EFA who want Canadian exposure must add it separately. Investors using VEA or IEFA already have Canada exposure.
Cite This Page
If you reference this table in your own work, use the following citation format and add the date you accessed it:
Swoopr Editorial Team. (2026). International ETF Comparison. Swoopr Investment. https://www.getswoopr.com/tables/etf/international-etf-comparison/
Check the figures against the primary sources listed under References before you rely on or republish them; the series they come from are revised.