IEF vs VOO
IEF vs VOO
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond 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 | IEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $47.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.98% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.94% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.50% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.49% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2002 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IEF vs VOO Performance
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) 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 IEF returned +0.94% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, IEF is down 0.98% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, IEF compounded at +3.50% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.49% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +3.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.6% for IEF. 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 -23.9% for IEF 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEF charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEF currently yields 3.88% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IEF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 517 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, IEF or VOO?
IEF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEF or VOO?
Over the past year IEF returned +0.94% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IEF annualized +3.35% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.6% for IEF. Worst drawdown: IEF -23.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IEF and VOO?
IEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEF and VOO?
IEF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEF or VOO?
IEF yields 3.88% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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