IQSM vs VOO
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IQSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $344M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 243 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.62% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IQSM vs VOO Performance
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQSM returned +24.62% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, IQSM is up 17.46% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, IQSM compounded at +14.42% per year against +22.19% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, IQSM has the edge at +14.20% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -23.7% for IQSM and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSM charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSM currently yields 1.05% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IQSM and VOO share 51 holdings out of 700 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSM or VOO?
IQSM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSM or VOO?
Over the past year IQSM returned +24.62% vs +21.79% for VOO, so IQSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IQSM annualized +14.20% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSM or VOO?
IQSM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IQSM -23.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IQSM and VOO?
IQSM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSM and VOO?
IQSM and VOO share 51 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 700 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSM or VOO?
IQSM yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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