IJT vs VTI
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IJT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.53% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.22% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.21% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.85% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | May 24, 2001 |
IJT vs VTI Performance
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) 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 IJT returned +27.22% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, IJT is up 21.53% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, IJT compounded at +16.21% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.85% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IJT has the edge at +8.96% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -58.0% for IJT 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
IJT 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, IJT currently yields 0.70% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IJT and VTI share 265 holdings out of 2868 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, IJT or VTI?
IJT 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, IJT or VTI?
Over the past year IJT returned +27.22% vs +21.39% for VTI, so IJT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IJT annualized +8.96% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJT or VTI?
IJT has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IJT -58.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IJT and VTI?
IJT 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 IJT and VTI?
IJT and VTI share 265 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJT or VTI?
IJT yields 0.70% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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