VGK — Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Vanguard · Expense Ratio: 0.08% · International Developed · roughly average for its International Developed category
Key Facts
| Ticker | VGK |
| Full Name | Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF |
| Provider | Vanguard |
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% |
| Category | International Developed |
| Assets Under Management | $25B |
| Inception Year | 2005 (21 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 1,300 |
| Dividend Yield | ~2.9% (high) |
| Top Holdings | NVO, ASML, NVS |
What Is VGK?
VGK, managed by Vanguard, launched in 2005, is a major ETF with deep liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads in the International Developed category. International developed market stock ETF covering established non-US markets. With $25B in assets under management, it benefits from deep institutional liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads.
VGK in a FIRE Portfolio
At just 0.08%, 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 VGK 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 VGK's 0.08% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.08%, VGK is very cost-effective. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $80. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.5% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $8,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a high dividend yield of approximately 2.9%, here's what VGK could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $2,900/year | $242/month |
| $250,000 | $7,250/year | $604/month |
| $500,000 | $14,500/year | $1,208/month |
| $1,000,000 | $29,000/year | $2,417/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About VGK
What is the expense ratio for VGK?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.08%. This is very cost-effective — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $80. Roughly average for its international developed category.
Is VGK good for a FIRE portfolio?
At just 0.08%, this provides developed market exposure outside the US — a core international allocation for a globally diversified FIRE portfolio. Its 0.08% expense ratio is very cost-effective for the International Developed category.
How does the 0.08% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.08%, you'll pay $80/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.5%. 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)
- 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)
- IEV — iShares Europe ETF (0.1% · Satellite Position)