IXC vs VTI
iShares Global Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +32.68% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.59% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.07% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
IXC vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IXC returned +46.59% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, IXC is up 32.68% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +16.07% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.00% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +6.33%. 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 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 3.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IXC and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2812 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or VTI?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or VTI?
Over the past year IXC returned +46.59% vs +23.31% for VTI, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXC annualized +6.33% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or VTI?
IXC has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IXC and VTI?
IXC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and VTI?
IXC and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2812 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or VTI?
IXC yields 3.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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