IJR vs VIG
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.60%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VIG has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.06%), saving about $40 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, IJR has significantly outperformed with a 19.2% return vs 11.4%.
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.37% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.54% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.52% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.52% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.51% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.50% |
| SM Energy CompanySM | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
VIG Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Broadcom Inc.AVGO | 5.92% |
| Apple Inc.AAPL | 3.89% |
| Eli Lilly and CompanyLLY | 3.70% |
| Microsoft CorporationMSFT | 3.45% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM | 3.42% |
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 2.87% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 2.65% |
| Walmart Inc.WMT | 2.48% |
| Visa Inc.V | 2.23% |
| Costco Wholesale CorporationCOST | 1.98% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VIG if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IJR if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose VIG if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.