IWF vs VTI
IWF vs VTI
iShares Russell 1000 Growth 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 | IWF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $120.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 372 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.83% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.28% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IWF vs VTI Performance
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) 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 IWF returned +13.10% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, IWF is up 5.83% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, IWF compounded at +22.28% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.66% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -66.8% for IWF 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWF charges 0.18% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWF currently yields 0.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IWF and VTI share 304 holdings out of 2848 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWF | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.66% | 6.32% | 7.34% |
| AAPL | 7.33% | 5.84% | 1.49% |
| GOOGL | 6.39% | 2.88% | 3.51% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWF 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, IWF or VTI?
IWF has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWF or VTI?
Over the past year IWF returned +13.10% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IWF annualized +7.46% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWF or VTI?
IWF has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IWF -66.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IWF and VTI?
IWF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IWF and VTI?
IWF and VTI share 304 common holdings with a 53.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWF or VTI?
IWF yields 0.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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