DFAI vs IEFA
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF compared with iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
DFAI
Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
IEFA
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
Quick take
- DFAI yields more today: 4.36% vs 3.14% (forward).
- IEFA has grown its payout faster: 26.7%/yr vs 10.2%/yr over the last 3 years.
- DFAI pays every quarter; IEFA pays twice a year.
- Over the last year DFAI delivered the higher total return: +24.3% vs +21.4% (price change plus payouts).
- IEFA is cheaper to own: 0.07% vs 0.18% expense ratio.
- IEFA has the steadier distribution: consistency 60/100 vs 38/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | DFAI | IEFA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $43.41 | $100.49 |
| TTM yield | 2.23% | 3.27% |
| Forward yield | 4.36% | 3.14% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.892 | $3.156 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Semi-annual |
| Next ex-date | Sep 22, 2026 (est.) | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.18% | 0.07% |
| 1-year payout growth | +7.4% | +26.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | +14.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 3 years | 4 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 38/100 | 60/100 |
| 1-year total return | +24.3% | +21.4% |
| 1-year price return | +21.6% | +17.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 18.3B | 194.4B |
| Years paying | 5.7 | 13.7 |
| Sector / category | Foreign Large Blend | Foreign Large Blend |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| DFAI | IEFA | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 230.4 | 99.5 |
| Income per year | $436 | $314 |
| Income per month (avg) | $36 | $26 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model DFAI · Model IEFA
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFAI Sep 22, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | $0.473 | Est. |
| DFAI Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 5, 2027 | $0.473 | Est. |
| DFAI Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 6, 2027 | $0.473 | Est. |
| IEFA Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $1.578 | Est. |
| IEFA Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $1.578 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
DFAIIEFA
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, DFAI or IEFA?
IEFA currently has the higher trailing yield: DFAI yields 2.23% and IEFA yields 3.27%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do DFAI and IEFA pay?
DFAI pays every quarter and IEFA pays twice a year. DFAI's next ex-date is Sep 22, 2026 and IEFA's is Dec 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, DFAI or IEFA?
IEFA has grown its payout faster: 26.7%/yr vs 10.2%/yr over the last 3 years.
Is DFAI or IEFA better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. DFAI and IEFA differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.