IVV vs QLVE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. QLVE delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QLVE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $17M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.64% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 184 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +12.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +22.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +16.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +7.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -30.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Flexshares Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 15, 2019 |
IVV vs QLVE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while QLVE returned +22.78%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 12.08% for QLVE.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +16.98% for QLVE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +7.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +6.36%. 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 13.2% for QLVE. 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 -30.0% for QLVE. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QLVE charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $18 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.64% for QLVE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QLVE share 0 holdings out of 644 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QLVE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QLVE charges 0.18%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QLVE?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +22.78% for QLVE, so QLVE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +6.36% for QLVE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QLVE?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for QLVE. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QLVE -30.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and QLVE?
IVV and QLVE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QLVE?
IVV and QLVE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QLVE?
IVV yields 1.09% while QLVE yields 2.64%, so QLVE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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