VO vs IJH: Head-to-Head Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

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%).

Holdings Overlap Analysis

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.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $86 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.

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