EFA vs EWU
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF vs iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-10
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 3.18%. Launched in 2001, the fund has a 25-year track record.
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to uk equity securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.50%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.44%. Launched in 1996, the fund has a 30-year track record.
Quick Verdict
EFA is significantly cheaper at 0.32% vs 0.50% expense ratio, saving you approximately $348 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. EWU has edged ahead over the past year (37.5% vs 32.6%).
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
3 of top 10 holdings overlap (30% overlap in top holdings)
EFA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 2.54% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 1.47% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 1.42% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.35% |
| Roche Holding AG!swx/ROP | 1.29% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 1.20% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 1.19% |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia!asx/CBA | 0.98% |
| Siemens Aktiengesellschaft!etr/SIE | 0.95% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 0.95% |
EWU Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 9.70% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 9.42% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 7.97% |
| Rolls-Royce Holdings plc!lon/RR | 4.41% |
| British American Tobacco p.l.c.!lon/BATS | 3.96% |
| Unilever PLC!lon/ULVR | 3.85% |
| BP p.l.c.!lon/BP | 3.64% |
| GSK plc!lon/GSK | 3.56% |
| Rio Tinto Group!lon/RIO | 3.40% |
| BAE Systems plc!lon/BA | 2.82% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose EFA if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EWU if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.