IVV vs QGRO
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs American Century US Quality Growth ETF
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 | QGRO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.19% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 188 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +3.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +7.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +10.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | American Century Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 10, 2018 |
IVV vs QGRO Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and American Century US Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is a ETF from American Century Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QGRO returned +7.95%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 3.03% for QGRO.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +20.36% for QGRO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +10.19% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QGRO has the edge at +14.75% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -32.6% for QGRO. 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 0.93. 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 QGRO charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $29 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.19% for QGRO.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QGRO share 116 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QGRO?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QGRO charges 0.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QGRO?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +7.95% for QGRO, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +14.75% for QGRO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QGRO?
QGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QGRO -32.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and QGRO?
IVV and QGRO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 QGRO?
IVV and QGRO share 116 common holdings with a 31.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QGRO?
IVV yields 1.10% while QGRO yields 0.19%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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