IWL vs VTI
IWL vs VTI
iShares Russell Top 200 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 | IWL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.77% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.11% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.41% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.88% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
IWL vs VTI Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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 IWL returned +23.11% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, IWL is up 12.77% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, IWL compounded at +22.41% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.88% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IWL has the edge at +13.28% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for IWL. 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 -32.7% for IWL 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWL charges 0.15% per year while VTI 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, IWL currently yields 0.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IWL and VTI share 192 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 73.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.16% | 6.32% | 1.84% |
| AAPL | 8.09% | 5.84% | 2.25% |
| MSFT | 5.14% | 3.81% | 1.33% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWL 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, IWL or VTI?
IWL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWL or VTI?
Over the past year IWL returned +23.11% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IWL annualized +13.28% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for IWL. Worst drawdown: IWL -32.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IWL and VTI?
IWL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 IWL and VTI?
IWL and VTI share 192 common holdings with a 73.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWL or VTI?
IWL yields 0.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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