IDEF vs VTI
iShares Defense Industrials Active 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 | IDEF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.69% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.42% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
IDEF vs VTI Performance
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) 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 IDEF returned +21.42% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, IDEF is up 10.69% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -15.8% for IDEF 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDEF charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEF currently yields 0.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IDEF and VTI share 56 holdings out of 2843 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEF or VTI?
IDEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEF or VTI?
Over the past year IDEF returned +21.42% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IDEF annualized +31.57% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEF or VTI?
IDEF has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IDEF -15.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IDEF and VTI?
IDEF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDEF and VTI?
IDEF and VTI share 56 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2843 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEF or VTI?
IDEF yields 0.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.