IJH vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJH is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJH returned 11.74%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for VEA. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IJH charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IJH vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJH achieves a 15.82% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return. Over the past 10 years, IJH has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 11.74%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 11.06% annualized return.

IJH

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 3.76%
• YTD: 15.82%
• 6M: 13.38%
• 1Y: 27.53%
• 3Y*: 16.50%
• 5Y*: 8.90%
• 10Y*: 11.74%

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IJH vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJH iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF	15.82%	7.42%	13.92%	16.40%	-13.11%	24.72%	13.60%	26.10%	-11.19%	16.26%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IJH and VEA is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.78

The correlation between IJH and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJH vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJH	VEA
Industrials	25.9%	17.5%
Technology	16.6%	16.6%
Financial Services	13.5%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	7.4%
Healthcare	8.7%	7.6%
Real Estate	7.5%	2.5%
Energy	5.3%	4.7%
Basic Materials	4.9%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	5.5%
Utilities	3.0%	3.0%
Communication Services	1.0%	3.2%

Return for Risk

IJH vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IJH

IJH Risk / Return Rank: 57
IJH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
IJH Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IJH Omega Ratio Rank: 50
IJH Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
IJH Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IJH vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IJH	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.16	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.93	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	3.06	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	11.80	-0.36

IJH vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJH Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJH and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IJH vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJH drawdown since its inception was -55.07%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJH and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJH	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.07%	-60.68%	+5.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.83%	-11.63%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.10%	-13.45%	-10.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.10%	-29.71%	+5.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.18%	-35.73%	-6.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	0.00%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-13.26%	+5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	3.01%	-0.60%

Volatility

IJH vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) is 4.59%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that IJH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJH	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	6.32%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.70%	14.39%	-2.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.87%	16.52%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	16.71%	+3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	17.38%	+3.83%

IJH vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJH has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJH vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IJH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJH iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF	1.17%	1.36%	1.33%	1.46%	1.68%	1.18%	1.28%	1.63%	1.72%	1.19%	1.60%	1.56%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJH and VEA in my portfolio?

IJH and VEA have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJH or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to IJH (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJH dropped -55.07% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IJH or VEA?

On 10-year performance, IJH leads with 11.74% vs 11.06% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IJH has been the lower-risk option at 4.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJH or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, IJH has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJH or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for IJH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJH or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 1.17% for IJH.

What is the main difference between IJH and VEA?

IJH is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IJH tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IJH and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.75), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.