QUAL vs VOO
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUAL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $48.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.50% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.79% | +19.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.39% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QUAL vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QUAL returned +18.79% while VOO returned +19.96%. Year to date, QUAL is up 12.50% versus a gain of 13.25% for VOO.
Over three years, QUAL compounded at +18.39% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.82% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.49% annualized vs +12.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QUAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.1% for QUAL and -34.3% for VOO. 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
QUAL charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUAL currently yields 0.86% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QUAL and VOO share 117 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUAL or VOO?
QUAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUAL or VOO?
Over the past year QUAL returned +18.79% vs +19.96% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QUAL annualized +12.63% vs +13.49% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUAL or VOO?
QUAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QUAL -34.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QUAL and VOO?
QUAL and VOO 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 QUAL and VOO?
QUAL and VOO share 117 common holdings with a 41.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUAL or VOO?
QUAL yields 0.86% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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