IYF vs VTI
IYF vs VTI
iShares US Financials 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 | IYF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.67% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.01% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.32% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IYF vs VTI Performance
iShares US Financials ETF (IYF) 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 IYF returned +14.01% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, IYF is up 5.67% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, IYF compounded at +21.93% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.32% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +5.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -80.2% for IYF 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYF charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYF currently yields 1.50% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IYF and VTI share 112 holdings out of 2814 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IYF | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 10.86% | 1.11% | 9.75% |
| BAC | 4.60% | 0.50% | 4.10% |
| GS | 3.88% | 0.39% | 3.49% |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCHW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BLK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PGR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SPGI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IYF 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, IYF or VTI?
IYF has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYF or VTI?
Over the past year IYF returned +14.01% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IYF annualized +5.47% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYF or VTI?
IYF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IYF -80.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IYF and VTI?
IYF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYF and VTI?
IYF and VTI share 112 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYF or VTI?
IYF yields 1.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IYF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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