IVV vs QMFE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February
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 | QMFE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $48M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +10.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +15.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 21, 2025 |
IVV vs QMFE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February (QMFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while QMFE returned +15.47%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 10.61% for QMFE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.3% for QMFE. 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 -11.8% for QMFE. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QMFE 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 QMFE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QMFE 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 QMFE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QMFE 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 QMFE?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +15.47% for QMFE, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +15.50% for QMFE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QMFE?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.3% for QMFE. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QMFE -11.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and QMFE?
IVV and QMFE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QMFE?
IVV and QMFE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QMFE?
IVV yields 1.09% while QMFE yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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