IXJ vs VOO
IXJ vs VOO
iShares Global Healthcare 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 | IXJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.10% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.59% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.94% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IXJ vs VOO Performance
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) 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 IXJ returned +19.59% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, IXJ is up 3.10% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Over three years, IXJ compounded at +6.94% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.23% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.02%. 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 13.2% for IXJ. 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 -42.8% for IXJ 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXJ charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXJ currently yields 1.47% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IXJ and VOO share 60 holdings out of 554 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXJ | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 10.75% | 1.47% | 9.28% |
| JNJ | 7.07% | 0.95% | 6.12% |
| ABBV | 5.10% | 0.69% | 4.41% |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ROP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXJ shares with VOO 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, IXJ or VOO?
IXJ has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXJ or VOO?
Over the past year IXJ returned +19.59% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IXJ annualized +6.02% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXJ or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IXJ -42.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IXJ and VOO?
IXJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXJ and VOO?
IXJ and VOO share 60 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXJ or VOO?
IXJ yields 1.47% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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