ICVT vs VTI
iShares Convertible Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ICVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICVT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 375 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.26% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.20% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.44% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
ICVT vs VTI Performance
iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) 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 ICVT returned +28.20% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, ICVT is up 18.26% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, ICVT compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.44% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ICVT has the edge at +11.37% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.7% for ICVT. 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 -33.3% for ICVT 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICVT charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICVT currently yields 1.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ICVT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2890 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, ICVT or VTI?
ICVT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICVT or VTI?
Over the past year ICVT returned +28.20% vs +22.19% for VTI, so ICVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ICVT annualized +11.37% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICVT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for ICVT. Worst drawdown: ICVT -33.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ICVT and VTI?
ICVT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICVT and VTI?
ICVT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICVT or VTI?
ICVT yields 1.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ICVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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