Published 1 September 2026
The short answer: VUKE vs ISF is a choice between the two most popular FTSE 100 trackers, and they do virtually the same job.
Both hold the 100 largest companies listed in London, both pay their dividends out as cash, and both track the same index closely.
The differences are small: ISF, from iShares, has a slightly lower ongoing charge of 0.07% versus VUKE’s 0.09%, and it is the larger, longer-established fund, while VUKE comes from Vanguard.
For most investors the choice comes down to cost and which provider or platform they prefer.
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What VUKE and ISF Have in Common
Both funds track the FTSE 100, the index of the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange, so their holdings are effectively identical: the same banks, oil and mining giants, pharmaceuticals and consumer names.
Both are distributing, paying dividends as cash, usually quarterly, and both carry the FTSE 100’s relatively high yield, which is why they are popular with income investors.
Because the FTSE 100 is dominated by multinationals, both are really a bet on big UK-listed global companies rather than the domestic UK economy. The VUKE review covers the fund in more depth.
VUKE vs ISF: Side by Side
| VUKE | ISF | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Index | FTSE 100 | FTSE 100 |
| Ongoing charge (OCF) | 0.09% | 0.07% |
| Dividends | Distributing | Distributing |
| Launched | 2012 | 2000 |
| Relative size | Large | Larger, longer-established |
| ISIN | IE00B810Q511 | IE0005042456 |
Where They Differ
There are only really two differences. First, cost: ISF’s 0.07% charge is marginally lower than VUKE’s 0.09%, a tiny difference in cash terms but a genuine edge if you are optimising. On a £10,000 holding that gap is around £2 a year, so it is not something to agonise over.
Second, size and liquidity: ISF launched in 2000 and is one of the largest and oldest ETFs in Europe, which can mean marginally tighter trading spreads, though both are highly liquid and a long-term holder is unlikely to notice.
Beyond that, it often comes down to which provider you prefer or which fund your platform offers most conveniently.
The Risks They Both Share
Because they track the same index, VUKE and ISF share the FTSE 100’s character and its risks: concentration in a handful of very large companies, heavy weightings in financials, energy and mining, a value and income tilt with less growth, and dividends that can be cut in a downturn.
Choosing between VUKE and ISF does nothing to change any of that; it is a choice of wrapper for the same underlying bet.
If the concentration or the UK focus concerns you, the more important decision is whether the FTSE 100 belongs in your portfolio at all, not which of these two funds you use.
Who Each One Suits
For a cost-focused, long-term FTSE 100 holding, ISF’s slightly lower charge gives it a small edge. But VUKE is an equally sound tracker of the same index, so if you already use Vanguard or prefer it, there is no meaningful downside.
Both sit naturally in a UK income portfolio, which is why the FTSE 100 features in the guide to the best dividend ETFs in the UK.
If you are still deciding whether to favour the UK market at all, the guide to FTSE 100 vs S&P 500 is worth a read.
How to Buy Either One
Both trade on the London Stock Exchange and are available on most UK platforms.
On Trading 212 you can buy either commission-free, and with neither a platform fee nor a dealing charge, it is a low-cost way to hold the FTSE 100. How to buy ETFs on Trading 212 covers the account setup and first purchase.
For an income holding, a Stocks & Shares ISA shelters the dividends from tax.
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VUKE vs ISF: FAQ
Is ISF or VUKE Better?
They track the same index and do the same job. ISF has a slightly lower charge and is larger; VUKE is an equally sound Vanguard alternative. The difference is small.
Do VUKE and ISF Pay Dividends?
Yes, both are distributing and pay dividends as cash, usually quarterly, with the FTSE 100’s relatively high yield.
Which Is Cheaper, VUKE or ISF?
ISF, marginally, at 0.07% versus VUKE’s 0.09%. In cash terms the gap is very small.
Do They Perform Differently?
Barely. They track the same index, so their returns are almost identical, with only the tiny fee difference and minor tracking effects separating them.
Are VUKE and ISF the Same Thing?
Almost. They are different funds from different providers, but both track the FTSE 100 and hold effectively the same companies.
This article is for information and education only and is not financial advice. It does not take account of individual circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invest. Anyone unsure about their own situation should speak to a regulated financial adviser.
Sources: Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (VUKE) · iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (ISF). Figures are taken from the fund providers and can change; always confirm the current details before acting. Last updated August 2026.