IWS vs VOO
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWS offers more diversification with 698 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 724 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.99% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.33% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.30% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.60% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IWS vs VOO Performance
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) 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 IWS returned +29.33% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, IWS is up 20.99% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, IWS compounded at +17.30% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.60% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -63.9% for IWS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWS charges 0.23% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWS currently yields 1.32% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IWS and VOO share 275 holdings out of 928 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWS or VOO?
IWS has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWS or VOO?
Over the past year IWS returned +29.33% vs +22.62% for VOO, so IWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IWS annualized +8.29% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWS or VOO?
IWS has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IWS -63.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IWS and VOO?
IWS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 IWS and VOO?
IWS and VOO share 275 common holdings with a 11.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 928 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWS or VOO?
IWS yields 1.32% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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