ISCG vs VOO
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ISCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISCG offers more diversification with 877 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $975M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 939 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.86% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.35% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISCG vs VOO Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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 ISCG returned +30.35% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, ISCG is up 16.86% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, ISCG compounded at +17.31% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -58.0% for ISCG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCG charges 0.06% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCG currently yields 0.57% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISCG and VOO share 33 holdings out of 1349 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCG or VOO?
ISCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCG or VOO?
Over the past year ISCG returned +30.35% vs +22.62% for VOO, so ISCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ISCG annualized +9.28% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCG or VOO?
ISCG has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ISCG -58.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISCG and VOO?
ISCG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCG and VOO?
ISCG and VOO share 33 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1349 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCG or VOO?
ISCG yields 0.57% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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