VO vs IJH: Head-to-Head Comparison
VO vs IJH: Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF has an expense ratio of 0.04% while iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF charges 0.05%. VO holds 325 securities vs IJH's 400. 5-year returns: 11.00% vs 10.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Mid Cap
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | IJH |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% |
| AUM | $65.0B | $80.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.40% |
| Holdings | 325 | 400 |
| 1-Year Return | 14.00% | 13.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 11.00% | 10.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 10.00% | 9.50% |
| Beta | 1.05 | 1.08 |
| P/E Ratio | 22.5 | 19.8 |
VO 5-year annualized return is 11.00% compared to IJH's 10.50%. Over 10 years, VO returned 10.00% vs IJH's 9.50%.
View data table
| Period | VO Return | IJH Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.80% | 2.50% |
| 1 Year | 14.00% | 13.00% |
| 3 Year | 8.00% | 8.00% |
| 5 Year | 11.00% | 10.50% |
| 10 Year | 10.00% | 9.50% |
Key Differences Between VO and IJH
VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) is a us mid-cap fund managed by Vanguard. VO tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Index, giving investors access to medium-sized U.S. companies that sit between large-cap stability and small-cap growth potential. These mid-cap companies are often past their riskiest early stages yet still have significant room to grow. The fund offers a well-diversified basket of mid-sized firms across every major sector of the economy.
IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) is a us mid-cap fund managed by BlackRock. IJH tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Index, offering exposure to 400 medium-sized U.S. companies that have passed quality screens for profitability and liquidity. Mid-cap stocks often represent companies in their prime growth phase, large enough to be stable but still nimble enough to grow significantly. IJH has been a go-to mid-cap fund for institutional and retail investors alike since 2000.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.04% vs 0.05%), number of holdings (325 vs 400), and 5-year returns (11.00% vs 10.50%).
VO vs IJH multi-factor comparison: VO has a 0.04% expense ratio, 11.00% 5-year return, 325 holdings, 1.05 beta, and 1.50% yield. IJH has 0.05% expense ratio, 10.50% 5-year return, 400 holdings, 1.08 beta, and 1.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VO | IJH |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% |
| 5-Year Return | 11.00% | 10.50% |
| Holdings | 325 | 400 |
| Beta | 1.05 | 1.08 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.40% |
Want the full framework? This 2-hour ETF course teaches you exactly how to pick, buy, and hold profitable ETFs — from zero to confident investor. Under $15.
Ready to invest? Open an IBKR account in 10 minutes and get free stock. $0 commissions on US ETFs • Fractional shares from $1 • 150+ global markets.
Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VO and IJH share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VO and IJH share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VO has 325 total holdings and IJH has 400.
View data table
| Metric | VO | IJH |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 325 | 400 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VO
Fee cost: $344
IJH
Fee cost: $430
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $86 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VO (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266 while IJH (0.05% fee) grows to $46,180. The fee difference costs $86.
View data table
| Year | VO Value | IJH Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,666 | $14,659 |
| 10 | $21,509 | $21,490 |
| 15 | $31,546 | $31,502 |
| 20 | $46,266 | $46,180 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VO if: You want investors seeking a growth and value blend in the mid-cap space, long-term portfolio builders wanting complete market-cap coverage, those looking for diversification beyond the largest companies. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Choose IJH if: You want investors seeking a reliable mid-cap core holding with quality tilt, 401(k) and retirement accounts needing institutional-grade mid-cap exposure, portfolio builders who want the growth of smaller companies with some quality guardrails. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.05%.
Can You Own Both VO and IJH?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VO and IJH complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VO or IJH?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VO is best for investors who want investors seeking a growth and value blend in the mid-cap space, while IJH is better suited for investors seeking a reliable mid-cap core holding with quality tilt.
What is the difference between VO and IJH?▾
VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) tracks us mid-cap investments with 325 holdings and a 0.04% expense ratio. IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) focuses on us mid-cap with 400 holdings at 0.05%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VO and IJH?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VO and IJH complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.