EFA & VOO: Tracking and Exposure
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

EFA & VOO: Tracking and Exposure

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have revolutionized the investment world, offering diversified exposure across various sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison between two popular ETFs: EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF). We'll take a closer look at their ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, strategy, tracking, and exposure.

EFA & VOO: Overview

EFA and VOO are two ETFs that cater to different investment strategies within the realm of international and U.S. equity markets, respectively. While EFA provides exposure to international developed markets, VOO mirrors the performance of the S&P 500 Index. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for investors seeking to align their portfolios with specific geographic and market preferences.

EFA & VOO: Sectors and Top Holdings

The EFA ETF encompasses a wide range of sectors including finance, technology, and healthcare, with top holdings such as Nestle, Samsung, and Toyota. On the other hand, VOO predominantly represents sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance, with top holdings including Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Recognizing the sectors and top holdings aids investors in tailoring their exposure to the industries they believe will perform well over time.

EFA  overlap EFA VS VOOEFA overlap EFA VS VOO

EFA & VOO: Capitalization and Strategy

With a substantial asset under management (AUM), EFA stands as a prominent player in the international equity ETF landscape. Its strategy focuses on tracking the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index, which includes stocks from developed markets excluding the U.S. VOO's approach involves replicating the S&P 500 Index, representing a significant portion of the U.S. equity market. Investors should consider the differences in capitalization and strategy when deciding between these two ETFs.

EFA & VOO: Tracking and Exposure

EFA's objective is to mirror the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index, which spans multiple international markets. VOO, on the other hand, seeks to mimic the returns of the S&P 500 Index, consisting of 500 large-cap U.S. companies. The tracking methods vary considerably, with EFA providing exposure to a broader array of developed economies, while VOO narrows its focus to the top U.S. companies. Investors should weigh these tracking and exposure nuances based on their investment goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

EFA and VOO present distinct avenues for investors to gain exposure to international and U.S. equity markets, respectively. To gain deeper insights into their holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other critical aspects, consider utilizing ETF Insider—a user-friendly app that offers comprehensive information on various financial instruments. Whether you're seeking global diversification or a focus on the largest U.S. companies, ETF Insider can provide the necessary data to make informed investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide investment advisory services. Always conduct thorough research and consider seeking advice from qualified financial professionals before making investment decisions.

Sources:

https://finance.yahoo.com/VOO ETF issuer
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/ VOO ETF official page

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FAQ

  • Why is EFA better than VOO?

    EFA may be considered better than VOO for some investors due to its specific focus, offering diversification.

  • Does VOO beat EFA?

    VOO's performance relative to EFA will vary over time, depending on market conditions.

  • Should I invest in EFA or VOO?

    The choice between EFA and VOO should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and desired exposure.

  • Are EFA and VOO good investments?

    Both EFA and VOO can be suitable investments depending on individual investment strategies, goals, and risk profiles.

  • What is the correlation between EFA and VOO?

    The correlation between EFA and VOO can vary over time, reflecting differences in performance.