iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) is an index stock exchange traded fund. This popular ETF utilizes its assets to purchase a broad range of companies in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. The fund objective is to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada.

EFA Fund Details

• Fund Inception Date: 08/14/2001
• Ticker Symbol: EFA
• CUSIP: 464287465
• Rank in category (YTD): 23%
• Category: Foreign Large Blend
• Yield: 2.78%
• Capital Gains: -
• Expense Ratio: 0.33%
• Total Assets: $ 71.86 billion
• Annual Turnover Rate: 3%

This equity ETF provide convenient access to 900+ EAFE stocks. The expense fee is 0.34%. The current share value is $65.99. The dividend yield is 3.34%. This popular ETF has total assets of $54billion. It has a low portfolio turnover rate of 3%.

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Performance

In 2014, it has year-to-date return of 1.87%. This foreign large blend fund has returned 16.50% over the past 1 year, 11.18% over the past 3 years, and 8.10% over the past 5 years. The 3 year beta is 0.96. The average price/earnings are 15.26. The average price/book is 1.51.

• Year 2017: 10.51% (YTD)
• Year 2016: 1.37%
• Year 2015: -1.00%
• Year 2014: 6.20%
• Year 2013: 21.39%

You can buy this equity ETF from your brokerage. This iShares fund is available for your investment account, 401k plan, IRA (individual retirement account).

EFA Fund Holdings

The top 5 stocks in its portfolio are Nestle SA (NESN), Novartis AG (NOVN), Roche Holding AG (ROG), HSBC Holdings Plc, (HSBA), and Toyota Motor Corp (7203). Top 5 countries are Japan (20%), United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Germany (8.9%).

Pros:

• This iShares ETF can be used as a core fund for building your portfolio diversification.
• The high yield can provide steady income for investors

Cons:

• This iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has slightly higher expense fee than other index ETF.