IAK vs VTI
iShares US Insurance 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 | IAK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $514M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.97% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.42% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.45% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
IAK vs VTI Performance
iShares US Insurance ETF (IAK) 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 IAK returned +15.42% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, IAK is up 9.97% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, IAK compounded at +19.24% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.45% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +5.94%. 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 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 -78.0% for IAK 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAK 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, IAK currently yields 2.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IAK and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2783 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAK or VTI?
IAK 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, IAK or VTI?
Over the past year IAK returned +15.42% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IAK annualized +5.94% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAK or VTI?
IAK has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IAK -78.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IAK and VTI?
IAK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IAK and VTI?
IAK and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2783 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAK or VTI?
IAK yields 2.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IAK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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