Vanguard VT vs iShares IEFA: Is Global Diversification or International Exposure the Better Choice for Investors?

Choosing between the Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEMKT:VT) and the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEMKT:IEFA) depends on where an investor wants their borders to end. VT acts as a diversified global solution by including U.S. stocks and emerging markets, while IEFA excludes North America, focusing exclusively on established international economies. Here's how the two compare on the most important factors. Snapshot (cost & size) Metric IEFA VT Issuer iShares Vanguard Share price (as of Sept. 18, 2026) $97.76 $158.04 Expense ratio 0.07% 0.06% 1-yr return (as of Sept. 18, 2026) 17.8% 18.2% Dividend yield 3.29% 1.55% Beta (5Y monthly) 0.89 0.98 Assets under management (AUM) $194.4 billion $101.