IQSM vs VTI
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IQSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $344M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 243 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.98% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
IQSM vs VTI Performance
NYLI Candriam US Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQSM returned +24.43% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, IQSM is up 16.98% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, IQSM compounded at +15.16% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, IQSM has the edge at +14.00% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSM charges 0.15% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IQSM and VTI share 173 holdings out of 2860 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSM or VTI?
IQSM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSM or VTI?
Over the past year IQSM returned +24.43% vs +22.35% for VTI, so IQSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IQSM annualized +14.00% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSM or VTI?
IQSM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IQSM -23.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IQSM and VTI?
IQSM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSM and VTI?
IQSM and VTI share 173 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2860 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSM or VTI?
IQSM yields 1.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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