ISVL vs VTI
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ISVL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISVL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $335M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 538 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.77% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.75% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.12% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
ISVL vs VTI Performance
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISVL returned +25.75% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ISVL is up 13.77% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ISVL compounded at +24.12% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.78% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ISVL has the edge at +12.22% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISVL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -30.5% for ISVL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISVL charges 0.31% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $3 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISVL currently yields 3.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ISVL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3295 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ISVL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLW:AU | 0.24% | 0.00% | 0.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISVL or VTI?
ISVL has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISVL or VTI?
Over the past year ISVL returned +25.75% vs +22.35% for VTI, so ISVL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ISVL annualized +12.22% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISVL or VTI?
ISVL has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ISVL -30.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ISVL and VTI?
ISVL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISVL and VTI?
ISVL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3295 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISVL or VTI?
ISVL yields 3.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ISVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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