IEFA — iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares (BlackRock) · Expense Ratio: 0.07% · International Developed · roughly average for its International Developed category
Key Facts
| Ticker | IEFA |
| Full Name | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF |
| Provider | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% |
| Category | International Developed |
| Assets Under Management | $130B |
| Inception Year | 2012 (14 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 2,700 |
| Dividend Yield | ~2.5% (high) |
| Top Holdings | NVO, ASML, NVS |
What Is IEFA?
IEFA, managed by iShares (BlackRock), launched in 2012, is one of the largest ETFs in the world with exceptional liquidity in the International Developed category. International developed market stock ETF covering established non-US markets. With $130B in assets under management, it is among the most liquid and widely traded ETFs available.
IEFA in a FIRE Portfolio
At just 0.07%, this provides developed market exposure outside the US — a core international allocation for a globally diversified FIRE portfolio.
A core holding should make up 50-80% of your equity allocation in a FIRE portfolio. Combine IEFA with bond holdings for your target stock/bond split. For early retirees, an 80/20 or 90/10 stock/bond allocation is common.
Cost Analysis: How IEFA's 0.07% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.07%, IEFA is very cost-effective. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $70. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.4% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $7,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a high dividend yield of approximately 2.5%, here's what IEFA could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $2,500/year | $208/month |
| $250,000 | $6,250/year | $521/month |
| $500,000 | $12,500/year | $1,042/month |
| $1,000,000 | $25,000/year | $2,083/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About IEFA
What is the expense ratio for IEFA?
IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07%. This is very cost-effective — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $70. Roughly average for its international developed category.
Is IEFA good for a FIRE portfolio?
At just 0.07%, this provides developed market exposure outside the US — a core international allocation for a globally diversified FIRE portfolio. Its 0.07% expense ratio is very cost-effective for the International Developed category.
How does the 0.07% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.07%, you'll pay $70/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.4%. Use the embedded calculator below to model the exact impact on your specific portfolio.
Similar ETFs in International Developed
- VXUS — Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (0.07% · Core Holding)
- IXUS — iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (0.07% · Core Holding)
- VEA — Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (0.06% · Core Holding)
- SCHF — Schwab International Equity ETF (0.06% · Core Holding)
- SPDW — SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (0.04% · Core Holding)
- EFA — iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (0.33% · Satellite Position)
- IDEV — iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (0.04% · Core Holding)
- IEV — iShares Europe ETF (0.1% · Satellite Position)
- VGK — Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (0.08% · Core Holding)