IVV vs QDEC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $682M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +10.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +19.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +17.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +10.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 18, 2020 |
IVV vs QDEC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while QDEC returned +19.17%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 10.78% for QDEC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +17.00% for QDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +10.13% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QDEC has the edge at +11.17% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.2% for QDEC. 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 -25.3% for QDEC. 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 0.90. 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 QDEC 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 1.09% against 0.00% for QDEC.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QDEC 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 QDEC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QDEC 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 QDEC?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +19.17% for QDEC, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +11.17% for QDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QDEC?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for QDEC. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QDEC -25.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and QDEC?
IVV and QDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 QDEC?
IVV and QDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QDEC?
IVV yields 1.09% while QDEC yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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