IVV vs QMAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $563M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +19.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +16.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +11.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 11.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -19.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 19, 2021 |
IVV vs QMAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while QMAR returned +19.14%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 14.66% for QMAR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +16.18% for QMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +11.46% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QMAR has the edge at +12.34% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 11.9% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -19.8% for QMAR. 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 0.88. 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 1.09% against 0.00% for QMAR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QMAR share 0 holdings out of 506 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 QMAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QMAR charges 0.90%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QMAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +19.14% for QMAR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +12.34% for QMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QMAR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.9% for QMAR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QMAR -19.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and QMAR?
IVV and QMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QMAR?
IVV and QMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QMAR?
IVV yields 1.09% while QMAR yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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