IVV vs QUAL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QUAL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $48.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.86% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 130 | |
| YTD Return | +13.25% | +12.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.95% | +18.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +18.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +10.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 16, 2013 |
IVV vs QUAL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +19.95% while QUAL returned +18.79%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.25% versus a gain of 12.50% for QUAL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +18.39% for QUAL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +10.82% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QUAL has the edge at +12.63% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 14.7% for QUAL. 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 -34.1% for QUAL. 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 0.98. 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 QUAL charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $15 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.86% for QUAL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QUAL share 116 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QUAL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QUAL charges 0.15%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QUAL?
Over the past year IVV returned +19.95% vs +18.79% for QUAL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +12.63% for QUAL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QUAL?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for QUAL. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QUAL -34.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and QUAL?
IVV and QUAL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 QUAL?
IVV and QUAL share 116 common holdings with a 41.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QUAL?
IVV yields 1.10% while QUAL yields 0.86%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.