ISRA vs VTI
VanEck Israel ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $147M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.44% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.74% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.65% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.49% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
ISRA vs VTI Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +32.74% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, ISRA is up 10.44% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +25.65% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ISRA has the edge at +8.77% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and VTI share 8 holdings out of 2859 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISRA or VTI?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or VTI?
Over the past year ISRA returned +32.74% vs +21.39% for VTI, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.77% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or VTI?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ISRA and VTI?
ISRA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and VTI?
ISRA and VTI share 8 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2859 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or VTI?
ISRA yields 1.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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