ILF vs VTI
iShares Latin America 40 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ILF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.40% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.26% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.89% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
ILF vs VTI Performance
iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) 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 ILF returned +39.26% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, ILF is up 13.40% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, ILF compounded at +14.89% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% 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 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 -74.4% for ILF 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILF charges 0.47% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ILF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2825 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 VTI?
ILF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILF or VTI?
Over the past year ILF returned +39.26% vs +23.62% for VTI, so ILF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), ILF annualized +7.50% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILF or VTI?
ILF has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ILF -74.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ILF and VTI?
ILF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILF and VTI?
ILF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILF or VTI?
ILF yields 3.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ILF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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