IVV vs QLTA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLTA offers more diversification with 3,482 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QLTA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 4.57% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3,482 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | -1.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +0.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +4.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | -0.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 5.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 14, 2012 |
IVV vs QLTA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while QLTA returned +0.94%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a loss of 1.09% for QLTA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against +4.57% for QLTA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and -0.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +0.77%. 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 5.8% for QLTA. 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 -23.0% for QLTA. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QLTA charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $15 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 4.57% for QLTA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QLTA share 3 holdings out of 3402 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QLTA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QLTA charges 0.15%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QLTA?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +0.94% for QLTA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +0.77% for QLTA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QLTA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QLTA -23.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and QLTA?
IVV and QLTA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QLTA?
IVV and QLTA share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3402 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QLTA?
IVV yields 1.10% while QLTA yields 4.57%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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