IVV vs QALT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QALT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $195M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 6.03% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 17 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +12.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 7.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -4.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 25, 2025 |
IVV vs QALT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QALT returned +12.51%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.80% for QALT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.3% for QALT. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -4.8% for QALT. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QALT charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $80 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 6.03% for QALT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QALT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QALT charges 0.80%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QALT?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +12.51% for QALT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QALT?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.3% for QALT. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QALT -4.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and QALT?
IVV and QALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QALT?
IVV yields 1.10% while QALT yields 6.03%, so QALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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