IEFA vs ILOW
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF compared with AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
IEFA
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
ILOW
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF
TTM yield · Annual
Quick take
- IEFA yields more today: 3.14% vs 1.44% (forward).
- IEFA pays twice a year; ILOW pays once a year.
- Over the last year IEFA delivered the higher total return: +21.4% vs +14.6% (price change plus payouts).
- IEFA is cheaper to own: 0.07% vs 0.50% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | IEFA | ILOW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $100.49 | $47.24 |
| TTM yield | 3.27% | 1.44% |
| Forward yield | 3.14% | 1.44% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.156 | $0.682 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Dec 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.50% |
| 1-year payout growth | +26.6% | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +14.1% | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | 4 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 60/100 | — |
| 1-year total return | +21.4% | +14.6% |
| 1-year price return | +17.5% | +12.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 194.4B | 1.9B |
| Years paying | 13.7 | 1.7 |
| 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
| IEFA | ILOW | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 99.5 | 211.7 |
| Income per year | $314 | $144 |
| Income per month (avg) | $26 | $12 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model IEFA · Model ILOW
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEFA Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $1.578 | Est. |
| IEFA Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $1.578 | Est. |
| ILOW Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.682 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
IEFAILOW
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, IEFA or ILOW?
IEFA currently has the higher trailing yield: IEFA yields 3.27% and ILOW yields 1.44%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do IEFA and ILOW pay?
IEFA pays twice a year and ILOW pays once a year. IEFA's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and ILOW's is Dec 17, 2026.
Is IEFA or ILOW better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. IEFA and ILOW 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.