IXJ vs VTI
IXJ vs VTI
iShares Global Healthcare ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.58% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.49% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.38% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
IXJ vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) 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 IXJ returned +25.49% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, IXJ is up 5.58% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, IXJ compounded at +7.38% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.75% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +6.12%. 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 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 -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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXJ charges 0.40% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IXJ and VTI share 57 holdings out of 2835 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXJ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 10.75% | 1.40% | 9.35% |
| JNJ | 7.07% | 0.84% | 6.23% |
| ABBV | 5.10% | 0.61% | 4.49% |
| 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 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, IXJ or VTI?
IXJ has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXJ or VTI?
Over the past year IXJ returned +25.49% vs +24.16% for VTI, so IXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXJ annualized +6.12% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXJ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IXJ -42.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IXJ and VTI?
IXJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXJ and VTI?
IXJ and VTI share 57 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXJ or VTI?
IXJ yields 1.47% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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