IYT vs VOO
iShares US Transportation ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IYT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.50% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.46% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.43% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IYT vs VOO Performance
iShares US Transportation ETF (IYT) 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 IYT returned +25.46% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, IYT is up 16.50% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, IYT compounded at +12.77% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.43% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 14.2% 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 -60.7% for IYT 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYT charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYT currently yields 0.92% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IYT and VOO share 14 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYT or VOO?
IYT has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYT or VOO?
Over the past year IYT returned +25.46% vs +21.79% for VOO, so IYT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IYT annualized +9.09% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYT or VOO?
IYT has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IYT -60.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IYT and VOO?
IYT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYT and VOO?
IYT and VOO share 14 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYT or VOO?
IYT yields 0.92% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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