IVV vs SQMX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer 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 | SQMX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $54M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +4.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +7.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -7.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 20, 2024 |
IVV vs SQMX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SQMX returned +7.73%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 4.08% for SQMX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.9% for SQMX. 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 -7.4% for SQMX. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SQMX charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SQMX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SQMX 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 SQMX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SQMX charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SQMX?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +7.73% for SQMX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.62% for SQMX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SQMX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.9% for SQMX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SQMX -7.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and SQMX?
IVV and SQMX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SQMX?
IVV and SQMX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SQMX?
IVV yields 1.09% while SQMX yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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