IHF vs VTI
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.47% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.49% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.04% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.59% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
IHF vs VTI Performance
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF (IHF) 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 IHF returned +33.49% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, IHF is up 18.47% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, IHF compounded at +4.04% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.59% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IHF has the edge at +9.33% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -58.8% for IHF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHF 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, IHF currently yields 0.95% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IHF and VTI share 51 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IHF or VTI?
IHF 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, IHF or VTI?
Over the past year IHF returned +33.49% vs +22.19% for VTI, so IHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IHF annualized +9.33% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHF or VTI?
IHF has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IHF -58.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IHF and VTI?
IHF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHF and VTI?
IHF and VTI share 51 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHF or VTI?
IHF yields 0.95% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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