International developed-markets ETF

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)

A Vanguard exchange-traded fund that provides diversified exposure to large, mid- and small-cap companies in developed markets outside the United States.

Ticker: VEANYSE American-listedEx-US equities

Market chart

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF price chart

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What is VEA?

VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, giving investors exposure to companies across developed markets such as Europe, Japan, Canada and the broader Asia-Pacific region, while excluding the United States. It spans large, mid- and small-cap companies across many industries.

Why investors use VEA

Because funds like VOO, IVV, SPY and VTI focus on the US market, VEA is commonly used alongside them to add international diversification to a portfolio. Developed international markets can perform differently from the US market over any given period, for reasons including economic cycles, currency movements and sector composition.

Risks and considerations

VEA carries currency risk, since returns for a US-dollar-based investor are affected by exchange-rate movements between the dollar and other currencies, in addition to the performance of the underlying stocks. International markets can also involve different regulatory, political and economic conditions than the US market.

Long-term investing considerations

Combining a US fund with an international fund like VEA is one common way to build broader diversification, though it does not guarantee better returns or lower risk than a US-only portfolio. Consider testing different regional allocations and return assumptions when planning long term.