ILIT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. ILIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: ILITMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricILITVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.47%0.03%
AUM$14M$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.84%1.07%
Holdings433,543
YTD Return-5.46%+14.96%
1Y Return+50.76%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-6.24%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)43.8%15.4%
Max Drawdown-72.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 21, 2023May 24, 2001

ILIT vs VTI Performance

iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (ILIT) 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 ILIT returned +50.76% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, ILIT is down 5.46% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, ILIT compounded at -6.24% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -9.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ILIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.8% compared with 15.4% 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 -72.1% for ILIT 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ILIT 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, ILIT currently yields 1.84% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ILIT and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2817 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ILITWeight in VTIDifference
ALB7.26%0.02%7.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ILIT or VTI?

ILIT 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, ILIT or VTI?

Over the past year ILIT returned +50.76% vs +22.39% for VTI, so ILIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ILIT annualized -9.31% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ILIT or VTI?

ILIT has been the more volatile fund at 43.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ILIT -72.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both ILIT and VTI?

ILIT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ILIT and VTI?

ILIT and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2817 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ILIT or VTI?

ILIT yields 1.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ILIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.