IGRO vs VTI
iShares International Dividend Growth 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 | IGRO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 584 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.25% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.90% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.79% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.70% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
IGRO vs VTI Performance
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) 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 IGRO returned +17.90% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, IGRO is up 10.25% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, IGRO compounded at +17.79% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.70% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs +7.94%. 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 14.7% for IGRO. 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 -37.0% for IGRO 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
IGRO charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGRO currently yields 2.62% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IGRO and VTI share 5 holdings out of 3306 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, IGRO or VTI?
IGRO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGRO or VTI?
Over the past year IGRO returned +17.90% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IGRO annualized +7.94% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGRO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for IGRO. Worst drawdown: IGRO -37.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IGRO and VTI?
IGRO 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 IGRO and VTI?
IGRO and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3306 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGRO or VTI?
IGRO yields 2.62% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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