EFA vs IAU
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF vs iShares Gold Trust
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 Gold Trust (IAU) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges a moderate expense ratio of 0.25%. Launched in 2005, the fund has a 21-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IAU has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.25% vs 0.32%), saving about $137 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, IAU has significantly outperformed with a 50.0% return 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
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% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IAU if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IAU if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.