EFA Stock: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Profile & Analysis (2026)
Broad-based exposure to large- and mid-cap companies in developed markets across Europe, Australasia, and the Far East — Updated May 2026 with current AUM, expense ratio, holdings, and performance data.
The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) serves as a core building block for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios beyond the North American borders. By tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, EFA provides targeted access to established economies in 21 developed market countries, excluding the United States and Canada. This fund is often utilized alongside the VWO Stock Profile to achieve a comprehensive balance between developed and emerging international markets.
Launched in 2001, EFA is one of the most established and liquid international ETFs on the market. While it provides deep exposure to heavyweights in Japan and Europe, investors looking for even broader coverage—including small-cap companies and Canadian equities—often compare it to the VXUS Stock Profile. Additionally, for those interested in specific regional nuances that EFA might exclude, such as the list of South Korean stocks on U.S. exchanges, EFA provides a stable developed-market foundation to build around.
Key Takeaways — EFA Stock
EFA offers exposure to 21 developed countries, with significant weightings in Japan, the United Kingdom, and France.
The fund focuses exclusively on large- and mid-cap companies, providing stability by avoiding the volatility of international small caps.
With over $77 billion in assets, EFA features exceptionally high trading volume and tight bid-ask spreads for all investor sizes.
Unlike “World” funds, EFA specifically excludes both the United States and Canada, allowing for precise geographical portfolio tilting.
EFA — Live Price Chart
Real-time chart from TradingView.
EFA ETF Vitals & Key Statistics
Core data as of May 2026.
| Data Point | Value | Data Point | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | Ticker | EFA |
| Issuer | BlackRock (iShares) | Asset Class | International Equity — Developed |
| Index Tracked | MSCI EAFE Index | Structure | ETF |
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | AUM | $77.4B |
| Inception Date | August 14, 2001 | Exchange | AMEX |
| No. of Holdings | 718 | Dividend Yield | 0.32% |
| 52-Week High | $104.12 | 52-Week Low | $104.12 |
| Avg Daily Volume | High Liquidity | YTD Return | 0.32% |
| 1-Year Return | 0.32% | 5-Year Return | 0.32% |
| Category | Foreign Large Blend | Dividend Frequency | Semi-Annual |
EFA Top 10 Holdings (May 2026)
Largest positions by weight. Click columns to sort.
| Rank | Ticker | Company Name | Sector | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASML | ASML Holding NV | Technology | 3.05% |
| 2 | HSBA | HSBC Holdings PLC | Financials | 1.51% |
| 3 | ROG | Roche Holding AG | Healthcare | 1.28% |
| 4 | AZN | AstraZeneca PLC | Healthcare | 1.24% |
| 5 | NOVN | Novartis AG | Healthcare | 1.22% |
| 6 | NESN | Nestlé S.A. | Consumer Staples | 1.10% |
| 7 | NOVO | Novo Nordisk | Healthcare | 1.05% |
| 8 | MC | LVMH Moët Hennessy | Consumer Disc. | 1.00% |
| 9 | SAP | SAP SE | Technology | 0.95% |
| 10 | SHEL | Shell PLC | Energy | 0.90% |
EFA — Pros & Cons
✓ Wide Geographic Reach
Provides immediate exposure to over 700 companies across 21 developed nations, reducing reliance on the U.S. economy.
✗ Higher Expense Ratio
At 0.32%, it is significantly more expensive than “Core” developed market ETFs like IEFA (0.07%).
✓ Established Track Record
With a history dating back to 2001, EFA has weathered multiple market cycles, proving its resilience as a core holding.
✗ Geographic Exclusions
Unlike some competitors, EFA excludes Canada and South Korea, which may leave gaps in a developed market strategy.
✓ Superior Liquidity
Massive trading volume makes it a favorite for tactical traders and institutional investors looking for quick entry and exit.
✗ No Small-Cap Exposure
The focus on large and mid-caps means investors miss out on the potential growth of smaller international firms.
Who Should Consider EFA?
Long-term investors wanting to diversify away from U.S. concentration using established, blue-chip international stocks.
Cost-conscious “Bogleheads” who would prefer a lower-fee option like IEFA or VEA for similar exposure.
You want to pair it with a dedicated U.S. and Emerging Market strategy for a “three-fund” portfolio approach.
Taxable accounts may benefit from the foreign tax credit associated with EFA’s international holdings.
EFA vs Similar ETFs
Key metrics comparison.
| ETF | Full Name | Expense Ratio | AUM | Holdings | Div Yield | YTD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EFA ★ | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | 0.32% | $77.4B | 718 | 0.32% | 0.32% | Institutional Liquidity |
| IEFA | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | 0.07% | $110B+ | ~3000 | ~2.8% | 0.35% | Low-Cost Core |
| VEA | Vanguard Developed Markets | 0.05% | $125B+ | ~4000 | ~3.1% | 0.38% | Total Market Coverage |
| SPDW | SPDR Portfolio Developed World | 0.04% | $20B+ | ~2500 | ~2.9% | 0.36% | Lowest Expense Ratio |
EFA Technical Analysis
Real-time buy/sell signals.
EFA — Risks & Considerations
Currency Risk
Since the fund invests in non-U.S. companies, returns can be negatively impacted if the U.S. Dollar strengthens against the Yen, Euro, or Pound.
Geopolitical Tension
Significant exposure to Europe and Asia makes the fund sensitive to regional political instability and trade policy shifts.
Market Concentration
With nearly 22% of the fund in Japan and 15% in the UK, a downturn in these specific economies would heavily weigh on performance.
Sector Overlap
The fund has significant weightings in Financials and Healthcare; a global regulatory change in these sectors could trigger volatility.