STOX vs. ITOT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) and ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past year, STOX returned 21.66% vs 21.93% for ITOT. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. STOX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for ITOT.

Performance

STOX vs. ITOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STOX achieves a 9.93% return, which is significantly lower than ITOT's 11.25% return.

STOX

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 0.37%
• 6M: 8.44%
• YTD: 9.93%
• 1Y: 21.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ITOT

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 0.35%
• 6M: 9.08%
• YTD: 11.25%
• 1Y: 21.93%
• 3Y*: 19.69%
• 5Y*: 12.32%
• 10Y*: 14.63%

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

STOX vs. ITOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	9.93%	13.00%
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	11.25%	12.85%

Correlation

The correlation between STOX and ITOT is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.95

The correlation between STOX and ITOT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STOX vs. ITOT — Risk / Return Rank

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

STOX

STOX Risk / Return Rank: 65
STOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
STOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
STOX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
STOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
STOX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

ITOT

ITOT Risk / Return Rank: 65
ITOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
ITOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
ITOT Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ITOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
ITOT Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

STOX vs. ITOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT). 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.

	STOX	ITOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.71	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.37	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.48	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.56	10.79	-0.23

STOX vs. ITOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the ITOT Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STOX and ITOT, 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

STOX vs. ITOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STOX drawdown since its inception was -9.33%, smaller than the maximum ITOT drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STOX and ITOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	STOX	ITOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.33%	-55.20%	+45.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.33%	-8.90%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.44%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-0.73%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-6.94%	+5.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.04%	+0.02%

Volatility

STOX vs. ITOT - Volatility Comparison

Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) and iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) have volatilities of 3.34% and 3.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STOX	ITOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	3.31%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.92%	10.15%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	12.85%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.63%	17.46%	-4.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.63%	18.24%	-5.61%

STOX vs. ITOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

STOX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ITOT's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

STOX vs. ITOT - Dividend Comparison

STOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than ITOT's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITOT iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF	1.00%	1.11%	1.23%	1.47%	1.66%	1.18%	1.41%	1.88%	2.14%	1.69%	1.83%	2.01%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STOX and ITOT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, STOX and ITOT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, STOX or ITOT?

STOX has higher volatility (3.34%) compared to ITOT (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STOX dropped -9.33% vs ITOT's -55.20%.

Which ETF is better, STOX or ITOT?

On 1-year performance, ITOT leads with 21.93% vs 21.66% for STOX. On fees, ITOT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STOX or ITOT?

Over the 1-year period, ITOT has performed better with a 21.93% return vs 21.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STOX or ITOT?

ITOT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for STOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STOX or ITOT?

ITOT has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.17% for STOX.

What is the main difference between STOX and ITOT?

They also come from different issuers: Horizon and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for STOX and 0.03% for ITOT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.70), 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.