HEFA vs VEA
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF compared with Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
HEFA
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
VEA
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- HEFA yields more today: 2.92% vs 2.05% (forward).
- HEFA has grown its payout faster: 20.3%/yr vs 7.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
- HEFA pays twice a year; VEA pays every quarter.
- Over the last year VEA delivered the higher total return: +28.2% vs +27.1% (price change plus payouts).
- VEA is cheaper to own: 0.03% vs 0.35% expense ratio.
- HEFA has the steadier distribution: consistency 68/100 vs 40/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | HEFA | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $47.35 | $73.45 |
| TTM yield | 3.95% | 2.47% |
| Forward yield | 2.92% | 2.05% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.382 | $1.508 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 30, 2026 (est.) | Sep 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | +68.7% | +17.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +20.3% | +7.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 3 years | 3 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 68/100 | 40/100 |
| 1-year total return | +27.1% | +28.2% |
| 1-year price return | +22.2% | +25.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 7.5B | 322.8B |
| Years paying | 12.2 | 18.7 |
| 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
| HEFA | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 211.2 | 136.1 |
| Income per year | $292 | $205 |
| Income per month (avg) | $24 | $17 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model HEFA · Model VEA
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEFA Dec 30, 2026 | Jan 13, 2027 | $0.691 | Est. |
| HEFA Jun 29, 2027 | Jul 13, 2027 | $0.691 | Est. |
| VEA Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $0.377 | Est. |
| VEA Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.377 | Est. |
| VEA Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $0.377 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
HEFAVEA
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, HEFA or VEA?
HEFA currently has the higher trailing yield: HEFA yields 3.95% and VEA yields 2.47%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do HEFA and VEA pay?
HEFA pays twice a year and VEA pays every quarter. HEFA's next ex-date is Dec 30, 2026 and VEA's is Sep 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, HEFA or VEA?
HEFA has grown its payout faster: 20.3%/yr vs 7.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is HEFA or VEA better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. HEFA and VEA 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.