IVV vs QEFA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEFA offers more diversification with 680 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QEFA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.75% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 680 | |
| YTD Return | +13.22% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +20.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.17% | +17.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | +8.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 4, 2014 |
IVV vs QEFA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% while QEFA returned +20.03%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.22% versus a gain of 12.68% for QEFA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.17% per year against +17.77% for QEFA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and +8.83% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +5.75%. 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 13.3% for QEFA. 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 -32.7% for QEFA. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QEFA charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $30 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.75% for QEFA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QEFA share 1 holdings out of 1138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in QEFA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.26% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QEFA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QEFA charges 0.30%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QEFA?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% vs +20.03% for QEFA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +5.75% for QEFA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QEFA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QEFA -32.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and QEFA?
IVV and QEFA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QEFA?
IVV and QEFA share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QEFA?
IVV yields 1.10% while QEFA yields 2.75%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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