ILF vs VOO
iShares Latin America 40 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ILF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.40% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.26% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.89% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ILF vs VOO Performance
iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILF returned +39.26% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, ILF is up 13.40% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, ILF compounded at +14.89% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +7.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -74.4% for ILF and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILF charges 0.47% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILF currently yields 3.50% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ILF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILF or VOO?
ILF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILF or VOO?
Over the past year ILF returned +39.26% vs +23.01% for VOO, so ILF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ILF annualized +7.50% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILF or VOO?
ILF has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ILF -74.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ILF and VOO?
ILF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILF and VOO?
ILF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILF or VOO?
ILF yields 3.50% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ILF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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