ICSH vs VOO
ICSH vs VOO
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICSH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.64% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ICSH vs VOO Performance
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICSH returned +1.64% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, ICSH is down 0.04% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, ICSH compounded at +4.23% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.29% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +2.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 10.3% for ICSH. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.3% for ICSH and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICSH charges 0.08% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $3 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICSH currently yields 4.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ICSH and VOO share 0 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICSH or VOO?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICSH or VOO?
Over the past year ICSH returned +1.64% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ICSH annualized +2.13% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICSH or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 10.3% for ICSH. Worst drawdown: ICSH -23.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ICSH and VOO?
ICSH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICSH and VOO?
ICSH and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICSH or VOO?
ICSH yields 4.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ICSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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