IAK vs VOO
iShares US Insurance 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 | IAK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $514M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.68% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.97% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.65% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IAK vs VOO Performance
iShares US Insurance ETF (IAK) 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 IAK returned +17.97% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, IAK is up 11.68% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, IAK compounded at +19.65% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +15.26% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +6.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -78.0% for IAK 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAK charges 0.38% per year while VOO 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, IAK currently yields 2.54% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IAK and VOO share 4 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAK or VOO?
IAK has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAK or VOO?
Over the past year IAK returned +17.97% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IAK annualized +6.02% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAK or VOO?
IAK has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IAK -78.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IAK and VOO?
IAK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IAK and VOO?
IAK and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAK or VOO?
IAK yields 2.54% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IAK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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