IVV vs QPFF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs American Century Quality Preferred ETF
Which is better, IVV or QPFF?
Large Cap Blend against Preferred Stock.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | QPFF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.32% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $40M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 6.03% |
| Holdings | 508 | 1 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 8.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -15.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.6 years | $17,840Best | $11,390 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | American Century Investments |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Preferred Stock |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 16, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 368 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. IVV has data through Sep 11, 2026 and QPFF through Sep 8, 2025.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 18, 2021 to Sep 8, 2025 (4.6 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 8.9% for QPFF. 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 -15.2% for QPFF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 QPFF charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $32 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 6.03% for QPFF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and QPFF 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 QPFF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QPFF charges 0.32%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $29 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, IVV or QPFF?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 8.9% for QPFF. Worst drawdown: IVV -24.5% vs QPFF -15.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and QPFF?
IVV and QPFF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, 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 QPFF?
IVV yields 1.06% while QPFF yields 6.03%, so QPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QPFF better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.