ISCB vs VTI
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ISCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $283M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,587 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.70% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.65% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.76% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
ISCB vs VTI Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) 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 ISCB returned +31.65% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, ISCB is up 17.70% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, ISCB compounded at +16.22% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.76% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -61.9% for ISCB 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCB charges 0.04% per year while VTI 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, ISCB currently yields 1.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ISCB and VTI share 941 holdings out of 3147 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCB or VTI?
ISCB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCB or VTI?
Over the past year ISCB returned +31.65% vs +24.16% for VTI, so ISCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), ISCB annualized +8.05% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCB or VTI?
ISCB has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ISCB -61.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ISCB and VTI?
ISCB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 ISCB and VTI?
ISCB and VTI share 941 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCB or VTI?
ISCB yields 1.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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