IEFA vs SCHF
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF vs Schwab International Equity ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-10
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 3.33%. Launched in 2012, the fund has a 14-year track record.
Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.14%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.
Quick Verdict
SCHF has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.07%), saving about $80 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, SCHF has significantly outperformed with a 39.8% return vs 33.2%.
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
6 of top 9 holdings overlap (67% overlap in top holdings)
IEFA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 2.18% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 1.26% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 1.22% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.16% |
| Roche Holding AG!swx/ROP | 1.11% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 1.03% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 1.02% |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia!asx/CBA | 0.84% |
| Siemens Aktiengesellschaft!etr/SIE | 0.82% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 0.81% |
SCHF Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.23% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.93% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.18% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 1.13% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.10% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 1.07% |
| Shell plc!lon/SHEL | 0.99% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.94% |
| Royal Bank of Canada!tsx/RY | 0.85% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose SCHF if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose SCHF if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Either works if...
you just need broad international developed exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.