IDU vs VTI
iShares US Utilities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.66% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.64% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.82% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IDU vs VTI Performance
iShares US Utilities ETF (IDU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDU returned +3.64% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, IDU is up 2.66% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, IDU compounded at +15.18% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.82% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +5.13%. 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 15.0% for IDU. 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 -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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDU charges 0.38% per year while VTI 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 2.22% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IDU and VTI share 35 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDU or VTI?
IDU has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDU or VTI?
Over the past year IDU returned +3.64% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IDU annualized +5.13% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for IDU. Worst drawdown: IDU -56.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IDU and VTI?
IDU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDU and VTI?
IDU and VTI share 35 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDU or VTI?
IDU yields 2.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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