IJH vs. VNQ
IJH (iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJH is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Index, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJH returned 11.74%/yr vs 5.31%/yr for VNQ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IJH charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.
Performance
IJH vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IJH achieves a 15.82% return, which is significantly higher than VNQ's 10.32% return. Over the past 10 years, IJH has outperformed VNQ with an annualized return of 11.74%, while VNQ has yielded a comparatively lower 5.31% 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%
VNQ
- 1D
- 1.08%
- 1M
- -0.19%
- YTD
- 10.32%
- 6M
- 10.63%
- 1Y
- 11.80%
- 3Y*
- 10.81%
- 5Y*
- 2.52%
- 10Y*
- 5.31%
IJH vs. VNQ - 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% |
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF | 10.32% | 3.24% | 4.81% | 11.85% | -26.25% | 40.54% | -4.61% | 28.91% | -6.03% | 4.90% |
Correlation
The correlation between IJH and VNQ is 0.56, 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 | 0.56 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.65 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.70 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004 | 0.69 |
The correlation between IJH and VNQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.70 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IJH vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank
IJH
VNQ
IJH vs. VNQ - 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 Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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 | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.89 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.31 | 1.16 | +0.15 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.13 | 1.42 | +1.71 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.45 | 4.45 | +7.00 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IJH vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IJH drawdown since its inception was -55.07%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJH and VNQ.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IJH | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -55.07% | -73.07% | +18.00% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.83% | -8.34% | -0.49% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.10% | -17.46% | -6.64% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.10% | -34.48% | +10.38% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.18% | -42.40% | +0.22% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.12% | -1.95% | +1.83% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.56% | -13.60% | +6.04% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.41% | 2.66% | -0.25% |
Volatility
IJH vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) is 4.59%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 5.03%. This indicates that IJH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IJH | VNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.59% | 5.03% | -0.44% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.70% | 10.15% | +1.55% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.87% | 13.81% | +2.06% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.76% | 18.85% | +0.91% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.21% | 20.75% | +0.46% |
IJH vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
IJH has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VNQ's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VNQ - Dividend Comparison
IJH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than VNQ's 3.61% 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% |
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF | 3.61% | 3.92% | 3.85% | 3.95% | 3.91% | 2.56% | 3.93% | 3.39% | 4.74% | 4.23% | 4.82% | 3.92% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IJH and VNQ have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VNQ has higher volatility (5.03%) compared to IJH (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJH dropped -55.07% vs VNQ's -73.07%.
On 10-year performance, IJH leads with 11.74% vs 5.31% for VNQ. On fees, IJH is cheaper at 0.05% 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.
Over the 10-year period, IJH has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IJH is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for VNQ.
VNQ has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 1.17% for IJH.
IJH is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VNQ is REIT. IJH tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index, while VNQ tracks MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IJH and 0.13% for VNQ.
IJH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 0.86), 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.
Find the right allocation for IJH and VNQ
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer