IVV vs QMAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, IVV or QMAR?
Large Cap Blend against Option Writing.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, QMAR over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $591M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +15.58%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.61% | +18.75%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38%Best | +16.13% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.51%Best | +11.74% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -19.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,844Best | $17,420 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Option Writing |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Sep 18, 2026 (5.5 years).
IVV vs QMAR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
IVV vs QMAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% while QMAR returned +18.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 15.58% for QMAR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.38% per year against +16.13% for QMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.51% and +11.74% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +14.42% annualized vs +12.27%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.8% for QMAR. 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 -24.5% for IVV and -19.8% for QMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QMAR charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.00% for QMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and QMAR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QMAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QMAR charges 0.90%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or QMAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% vs +18.75% for QMAR, so QMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +14.42% vs +12.27% for QMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or QMAR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for QMAR. Worst drawdown: IVV -24.5% vs QMAR -19.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and QMAR?
IVV and QMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QMAR?
IVV yields 1.06% while QMAR yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QMAR better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, QMAR over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.