IJJ vs VTI
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value 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 | IJJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 309 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.99% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.15% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.05% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IJJ vs VTI Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) 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 IJJ returned +18.15% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, IJJ is up 11.99% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, IJJ compounded at +14.05% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.04% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IJJ has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -59.6% for IJJ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJJ charges 0.18% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJJ currently yields 1.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IJJ and VTI share 17 holdings out of 2797 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, IJJ or VTI?
IJJ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJJ or VTI?
Over the past year IJJ returned +18.15% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IJJ annualized +8.82% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJJ or VTI?
IJJ has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IJJ -59.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IJJ and VTI?
IJJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IJJ and VTI?
IJJ and VTI share 17 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJJ or VTI?
IJJ yields 1.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IJJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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