IJK vs VTI
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IJK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.34% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.49% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.51% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IJK vs VTI Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +26.49% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, IJK is up 20.34% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.51% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IJK has the edge at +8.17% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and VTI share 180 holdings out of 2850 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJK or VTI?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or VTI?
Over the past year IJK returned +26.49% vs +22.19% for VTI, so IJK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IJK annualized +8.17% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or VTI?
IJK has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IJK and VTI?
IJK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IJK and VTI?
IJK and VTI share 180 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2850 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or VTI?
IJK yields 0.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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