IQLT vs SPY
IQLT vs SPY
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 325 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.89% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.74% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.52% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.68% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IQLT vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IQLT returned +23.74% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, IQLT is up 10.89% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, IQLT compounded at +14.52% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.68% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for IQLT. 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 -32.2% for IQLT and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQLT charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQLT currently yields 2.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQLT or SPY?
IQLT has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQLT or SPY?
Over the past year IQLT returned +23.74% vs +19.50% for SPY, so IQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.27% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQLT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for IQLT. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IQLT and SPY?
IQLT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQLT and SPY?
IQLT and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or SPY?
IQLT yields 2.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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