IEV — iShares Europe ETF
iShares (BlackRock) · Expense Ratio: 0.1% · International Developed · roughly average for its International Developed category
Key Facts
| Ticker | IEV |
| Full Name | iShares Europe ETF |
| Provider | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.1% |
| Category | International Developed |
| Assets Under Management | $1.5B |
| Inception Year | 2000 (26 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 370 |
| Dividend Yield | ~2.8% (high) |
| Top Holdings | NVO, ASML, NVS |
What Is IEV?
IEV, managed by iShares (BlackRock), launched in 2000, is a smaller fund — check bid-ask spreads before making large trades in the International Developed category. International developed market stock ETF covering established non-US markets. With $1.5B in assets under management, investors should verify current bid-ask spreads, especially for large orders.
IEV in a FIRE Portfolio
This fund serves as a satellite position — adding targeted exposure to international developed within a FIRE portfolio built around a broad-market core.
Satellite holdings typically make up 5-20% of your portfolio. This fund complements a broad-market core — use it as a tilt, not the foundation. Keep your core holdings at 70-80% and use this for targeted exposure.
Cost Analysis: How IEV's 0.1% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.1%, IEV is moderately priced. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $100. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.6% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $10,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a high dividend yield of approximately 2.8%, here's what IEV could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $2,800/year | $233/month |
| $250,000 | $7,000/year | $583/month |
| $500,000 | $14,000/year | $1,167/month |
| $1,000,000 | $28,000/year | $2,333/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About IEV
What is the expense ratio for IEV?
IEV has an expense ratio of 0.1%. This is moderately priced — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $100. Roughly average for its international developed category.
Is IEV good for a FIRE portfolio?
This fund serves as a satellite position — adding targeted exposure to international developed within a FIRE portfolio built around a broad-market core. Its 0.1% expense ratio is moderately priced for the International Developed category.
How does the 0.1% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.1%, you'll pay $100/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.6%. Use the embedded calculator below to model the exact impact on your specific portfolio.
Is IEV liquid enough for my portfolio?
IEV manages $1.5B in assets — a smaller fund — check bid-ask spreads before making large trades. For most individual FIRE investors making regular contributions, liquidity is sufficient. If you're investing large lump sums ($100K+), use limit orders to control your execution price.
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)
- IEFA — iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (0.07% · 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)
- VGK — Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (0.08% · Core Holding)