IWL vs VOO
iShares Russell Top 200 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 | IWL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.38% | +13.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.17% | +20.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.72% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.41% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IWL vs VOO Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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 IWL returned +20.17% while VOO returned +20.64%. Year to date, IWL is up 12.38% versus a gain of 13.49% for VOO.
Over three years, IWL compounded at +22.72% per year against +21.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.41% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +13.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -32.7% for IWL 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWL charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWL currently yields 0.86% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IWL and VOO share 191 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 84.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWL or VOO?
IWL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWL or VOO?
Over the past year IWL returned +20.17% vs +20.64% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWL annualized +13.21% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWL or VOO?
IWL has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IWL -32.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IWL and VOO?
IWL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IWL and VOO?
IWL and VOO share 191 common holdings with a 84.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWL or VOO?
IWL yields 0.86% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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