IVV vs QDEC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December
Which is better, IVV or QDEC?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QDEC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $699M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +12.39%Best | +10.92% |
| 1Y Return | +16.61%Best | +16.27% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38%Best | +16.49% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.51%Best | +10.08% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5%Best | -25.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,844Best | $16,164 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (5.7 years).
IVV vs QDEC growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.7 years both funds cover.
IVV vs QDEC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% while QDEC returned +16.27%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 10.92% for QDEC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.38% per year against +16.49% for QDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.51% and +10.08% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +15.11% annualized vs +10.97%.
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 -24.5% for IVV and -25.3% for QDEC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.06% against 0.00% for QDEC.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and QDEC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or QDEC?
Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% vs +16.27% for QDEC, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +15.11% vs +10.97% for QDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
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 -24.5% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QDEC?
IVV yields 1.06% while QDEC yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QDEC better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.