IEV vs VOO
iShares Europe 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 374 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.39% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.41% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.92% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2000 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IEV vs VOO Performance
iShares Europe ETF (IEV) 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 IEV returned +19.39% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, IEV is up 10.43% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, IEV compounded at +18.41% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.92% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +3.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 14.1% 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 -65.6% for IEV 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEV charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEV currently yields 2.72% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IEV and VOO share 3 holdings out of 863 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEV or VOO?
IEV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEV or VOO?
Over the past year IEV returned +19.39% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IEV annualized +3.27% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEV or VOO?
IEV has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IEV -65.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IEV and VOO?
IEV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEV and VOO?
IEV and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEV or VOO?
IEV yields 2.72% while VOO yields 1.08%, so IEV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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