IEO vs VTI
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IEO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $589M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +51.16% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.96% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.98% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.55% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
IEO vs VTI Performance
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) 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 IEO returned +57.96% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, IEO is up 51.16% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, IEO compounded at +14.98% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +26.55% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.2% 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 -80.7% for IEO 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEO charges 0.37% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $3 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEO currently yields 1.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IEO and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEO or VTI?
IEO has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEO or VTI?
Over the past year IEO returned +57.96% vs +22.35% for VTI, so IEO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IEO annualized +5.77% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEO or VTI?
IEO has been the more volatile fund at 32.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IEO -80.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IEO and VTI?
IEO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEO and VTI?
IEO and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEO or VTI?
IEO yields 1.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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