EIRL vs VTI
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EIRL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIRL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $79M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.48% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.08% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.56% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.55% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
EIRL vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EIRL returned +24.08% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.48% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.56% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.55% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EIRL has the edge at +9.35% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EIRL or VTI?
EIRL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIRL or VTI?
Over the past year EIRL returned +24.08% vs +21.39% for VTI, so EIRL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EIRL annualized +9.35% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or VTI?
EIRL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EIRL and VTI?
EIRL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIRL and VTI?
EIRL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or VTI?
EIRL yields 2.36% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EIRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.