IGF vs VTI
iShares Global Infrastructure 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 | IGF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.71% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.31% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.45% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.33% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
IGF vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) 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 IGF returned +12.31% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, IGF is up 7.71% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, IGF compounded at +15.45% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.33% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -59.5% for IGF 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGF charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGF currently yields 2.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IGF and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2841 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGF or VTI?
IGF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGF or VTI?
Over the past year IGF returned +12.31% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IGF annualized +2.28% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGF or VTI?
IGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IGF -59.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IGF and VTI?
IGF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGF and VTI?
IGF and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGF or VTI?
IGF yields 2.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IGF 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.