ICLN vs VTI
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ICLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICLN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.66% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.44% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.84% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.59% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
ICLN vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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 ICLN returned +34.44% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, ICLN is up 7.66% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, ICLN compounded at +4.84% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.59% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.9% compared with 15.4% 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 -88.3% for ICLN 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICLN charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICLN currently yields 0.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ICLN and VTI share 7 holdings out of 2881 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, ICLN or VTI?
ICLN has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICLN or VTI?
Over the past year ICLN returned +34.44% vs +22.39% for VTI, so ICLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ICLN annualized -5.22% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICLN or VTI?
ICLN has been the more volatile fund at 30.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ICLN -88.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ICLN and VTI?
ICLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICLN and VTI?
ICLN and VTI share 7 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICLN or VTI?
ICLN yields 0.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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