ICF vs VTI
iShares Select US REIT 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 | ICF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.01% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.27% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.51% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
ICF vs VTI Performance
iShares Select US REIT ETF (ICF) 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 ICF returned +16.27% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, ICF is up 14.01% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, ICF compounded at +9.83% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.51% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +5.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -78.8% for ICF 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICF charges 0.32% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICF currently yields 2.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ICF and VTI share 23 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICF or VTI?
ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICF or VTI?
Over the past year ICF returned +16.27% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), ICF annualized +5.45% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICF or VTI?
ICF has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ICF -78.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ICF and VTI?
ICF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICF and VTI?
ICF and VTI share 23 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICF or VTI?
ICF yields 2.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ICF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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