IVV vs QCJA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January
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 | QCJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +12.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 7.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 17, 2025 |
IVV vs QCJA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January (QCJA) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QCJA returned +12.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.82% for QCJA.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.0% for QCJA. 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 -10.7% for QCJA. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QCJA charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for QCJA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QCJA share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QCJA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QCJA charges 0.90%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QCJA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +12.44% for QCJA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +11.24% for QCJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QCJA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.0% for QCJA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QCJA -10.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and QCJA?
IVV and QCJA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QCJA?
IVV and QCJA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QCJA?
IVV yields 1.10% while QCJA yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.