ISHG vs VOO
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISHG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $825M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 192 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.46% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.40% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.57% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.30% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISHG vs VOO Performance
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF (ISHG) 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 ISHG returned +2.40% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, ISHG is up 1.46% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, ISHG compounded at +5.57% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.30% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs -0.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.6% for ISHG. 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 -37.6% for ISHG 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISHG charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISHG currently yields 1.45% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISHG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISHG or VOO?
ISHG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISHG or VOO?
Over the past year ISHG returned +2.40% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ISHG annualized -0.41% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISHG or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.6% for ISHG. Worst drawdown: ISHG -37.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISHG and VOO?
ISHG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISHG and VOO?
ISHG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISHG or VOO?
ISHG yields 1.45% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ISHG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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