IMCB vs VOO
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IMCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMCB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 399 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.03% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.79% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.72% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IMCB vs VOO Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB) 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 IMCB returned +25.79% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, IMCB is up 20.03% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, IMCB compounded at +17.72% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -59.6% for IMCB 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMCB charges 0.04% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMCB currently yields 1.22% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IMCB and VOO share 299 holdings out of 602 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMCB or VOO?
IMCB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCB or VOO?
Over the past year IMCB returned +25.79% vs +23.71% for VOO, so IMCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IMCB annualized +9.37% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCB or VOO?
IMCB has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IMCB -59.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IMCB and VOO?
IMCB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IMCB and VOO?
IMCB and VOO share 299 common holdings with a 18.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 602 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCB or VOO?
IMCB yields 1.22% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IMCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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