IVV vs QLVD
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility 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 | QLVD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $55M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.93% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 216 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +10.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +12.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +15.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +7.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Flexshares Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 15, 2019 |
IVV vs QLVD Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QLVD returned +12.83%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 10.69% for QLVD.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +15.42% for QLVD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +7.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLVD has the edge at +7.23% annualized vs +6.98%. 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 12.9% for QLVD. 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 -28.4% for QLVD. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QLVD charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $12 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.93% for QLVD.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QLVD share 1 holdings out of 677 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 QLVD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 0.05% | 0.60% | 0.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QLVD?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QLVD charges 0.12%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QLVD?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +12.83% for QLVD, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +7.23% for QLVD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QLVD?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QLVD -28.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and QLVD?
IVV and QLVD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QLVD?
IVV and QLVD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QLVD?
IVV yields 1.10% while QLVD yields 2.93%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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