IXC vs VOO
iShares Global Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +37.65% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.35% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.61% | +20.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.60% | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IXC vs VOO Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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 IXC returned +43.35% while VOO returned +21.15%. Year to date, IXC is up 37.65% versus a gain of 12.87% for VOO.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +16.61% per year against +20.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +23.60% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.46% annualized vs +6.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.37% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $3 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 2.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IXC and VOO share 21 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or VOO?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or VOO?
Over the past year IXC returned +43.35% vs +21.15% for VOO, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IXC annualized +6.48% vs +13.46% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or VOO?
IXC has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IXC and VOO?
IXC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and VOO?
IXC and VOO share 21 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or VOO?
IXC yields 2.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.