IQLT vs VTI
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, IQLT or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IQLT led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQLT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $14.0B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 325 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +11.58% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | +17.22% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.30% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8%Best | 15.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,223 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 15, 2015 to Sep 11, 2026 (11.7 years).
IQLT vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.7 years both funds cover.
IQLT vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQLT returned +17.57% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, IQLT is up 11.58% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, IQLT compounded at +16.32% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.30% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.53% annualized vs +7.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.8% for IQLT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.2% for IQLT and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQLT charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQLT currently yields 2.32% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 4.0% of IQLT's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 90.6% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
IQLT and VTI share little of their money.
7 positions in common, counted across the 295 positions we hold weights for in IQLT and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 325 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IQLT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROPRoper Technologies Inc. | 2.08% | 0.05% | 2.03% |
| AI:PAAir Liquide Sa | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.75% |
| UMG:ASUniversal Music Group N.V. Universal Music Group N V | 0.44% | 0.05% | 0.39% |
| FBK:MIFinecobank S.P.A. | 0.27% | 0.00% | 0.27% |
| SUNBSunbelt Rentals | 0.21% | 0.04% | 0.17% |
| MTX:SGMtu Aero Engines Ag | 0.22% | 0.00% | 0.22% |
| SGP:AUStockland | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IQLT and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQLT or VTI?
IQLT has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $27 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IQLT or VTI?
Over the past year IQLT returned +17.57% vs +17.22% for VTI, so IQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.25% vs +12.53% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IQLT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.8% for IQLT. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both IQLT and VTI?
IQLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between IQLT and VTI?
At least 4.0% of IQLT's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 295 positions we hold weights for in IQLT and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or VTI?
IQLT yields 2.32% while VTI yields 1.03%, so IQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than IQLT?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IQLT led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.