ICSH vs VTI
ICSH vs VTI
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICSH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.64% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
ICSH vs VTI Performance
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICSH returned +1.64% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, ICSH is down 0.04% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ICSH compounded at +4.23% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.29% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +2.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICSH charges 0.08% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ICSH and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2912 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 VTI?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICSH or VTI?
Over the past year ICSH returned +1.64% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ICSH annualized +2.13% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICSH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.3% for ICSH. Worst drawdown: ICSH -23.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ICSH and VTI?
ICSH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICSH and VTI?
ICSH and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2912 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICSH or VTI?
ICSH yields 4.33% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ICSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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