IFRA vs VTI
IFRA vs VTI
iShares US Infrastructure 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 | IFRA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.98% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.95% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.80% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
IFRA vs VTI Performance
iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) 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 IFRA returned +21.95% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, IFRA is up 14.98% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, IFRA compounded at +17.80% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IFRA has the edge at +12.29% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -41.1% for IFRA 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFRA charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFRA currently yields 1.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IFRA and VTI share 129 holdings out of 2816 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IFRA | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | 4.12% | 0.67% | 3.45% |
| UNP | 4.16% | 0.22% | 3.94% |
| NEE | 4.03% | 0.25% | 3.78% |
| PWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NSC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CRH:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IFRA shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFRA or VTI?
IFRA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFRA or VTI?
Over the past year IFRA returned +21.95% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IFRA annualized +12.29% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFRA or VTI?
IFRA has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IFRA -41.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IFRA and VTI?
IFRA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFRA and VTI?
IFRA and VTI share 129 common holdings with a 4.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFRA or VTI?
IFRA yields 1.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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