IDU vs VOO
iShares US Utilities ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.25% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.73% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.32% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IDU vs VOO Performance
iShares US Utilities ETF (IDU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDU returned +3.90% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, IDU is up 3.25% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, IDU compounded at +14.73% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.32% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +5.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -56.4% for IDU and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDU charges 0.38% per year while VOO 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, IDU currently yields 2.19% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IDU and VOO share 33 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDU or VOO?
IDU has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDU or VOO?
Over the past year IDU returned +3.90% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IDU annualized +5.16% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDU or VOO?
IDU has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IDU -56.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IDU and VOO?
IDU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDU and VOO?
IDU and VOO share 33 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDU or VOO?
IDU yields 2.19% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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