ISCF vs VTI
iShares International Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, ISCF or VTI?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCF | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $684M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.62% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 1,188 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +12.50% | +13.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.65% | +20.00%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.35% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,504 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 1, 2015 to Sep 4, 2026 (11.3 years).
ISCF vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.3 years both funds cover.
ISCF vs VTI Performance
iShares International Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (ISCF) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISCF returned +19.65% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, ISCF is up 12.50% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, ISCF compounded at +19.35% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.72% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.39% annualized vs +7.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 15.6% 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 -43.6% for ISCF and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCF charges 0.24% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCF currently yields 3.62% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,011 holdings in ISCF and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 93.0% and 92.3% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 2 positions appear in both.
2 positions in common, counted across the 1,011 positions we hold weights for in ISCF and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 1,188 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ISCF and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCF or VTI?
ISCF has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ISCF or VTI?
Over the past year ISCF returned +19.65% vs +20.00% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ISCF annualized +7.50% vs +12.39% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ISCF or VTI?
ISCF has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.6% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ISCF -43.6% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both ISCF and VTI?
ISCF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCF or VTI?
ISCF yields 3.62% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than ISCF?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.