IJR vs VTI
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IJR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $112.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 662 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.93% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.77% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.37% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IJR vs VTI Performance
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) 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 IJR returned +30.77% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, IJR is up 21.93% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, IJR compounded at +16.37% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.72% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IJR has the edge at +9.19% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -58.9% for IJR 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJR charges 0.06% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJR currently yields 1.13% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IJR and VTI share 461 holdings out of 2917 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJR or VTI?
IJR has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJR or VTI?
Over the past year IJR returned +30.77% vs +22.35% for VTI, so IJR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IJR annualized +9.19% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJR or VTI?
IJR has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IJR -58.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IJR and VTI?
IJR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJR and VTI?
IJR and VTI share 461 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2917 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJR or VTI?
IJR yields 1.13% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IJR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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