IWS vs VTI
IWS vs VTI
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 724 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.08% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.26% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.41% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.57% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
IWS vs VTI Performance
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) 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 IWS returned +26.26% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, IWS is up 19.08% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, IWS compounded at +16.41% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.57% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IWS has the edge at +8.23% annualized vs +8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -63.9% for IWS 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWS charges 0.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWS currently yields 1.32% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IWS and VTI share 533 holdings out of 2948 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSX | 0.65% | 0.09% | 0.56% |
| ALL | 0.62% | 0.08% | 0.54% |
| WBD | 0.61% | 0.09% | 0.52% |
| DLR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| O | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HPE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CTVA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DAL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OKE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWS 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, IWS or VTI?
IWS has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWS or VTI?
Over the past year IWS returned +26.26% vs +21.79% for VTI, so IWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IWS annualized +8.23% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWS or VTI?
IWS has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IWS -63.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IWS and VTI?
IWS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 IWS and VTI?
IWS and VTI share 533 common holdings with a 12.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2948 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWS or VTI?
IWS yields 1.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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