IVV vs QDEF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund
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 | QDEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $564M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.58% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 137 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +19.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +19.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Flexshares Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 14, 2012 |
IVV vs QDEF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while QDEF returned +19.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 13.28% for QDEF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against +19.68% for QDEF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QDEF has the edge at +10.70% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 13.4% for QDEF. 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 -36.2% for QDEF. 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 0.95. 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 QDEF charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.58% for QDEF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QDEF share 93 holdings out of 546 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QDEF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QDEF charges 0.39%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QDEF?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +19.22% for QDEF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +10.70% for QDEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QDEF?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.4% for QDEF. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QDEF -36.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and QDEF?
IVV and QDEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 QDEF?
IVV and QDEF share 93 common holdings with a 38.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 546 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QDEF?
IVV yields 1.10% while QDEF yields 1.58%, so QDEF 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.