IQLT vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. IQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: IQLTMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIQLTVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.03%
AUM$13.6B$979.0B
Dividend Yield2.41%1.09%
Holdings325509
YTD Return+10.89%+9.95%
1Y Return+23.74%+19.58%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.52%+19.43%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.68%+12.89%
Volatility (annualized)14.9%14.2%
Max Drawdown-32.2%-34.3%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 13, 2015Sep 7, 2010

IQLT vs VOO Performance

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) 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 IQLT returned +23.74% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, IQLT is up 10.89% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.

Over three years, IQLT compounded at +14.52% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.68% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IQLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.2% 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 -32.2% for IQLT 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IQLT charges 0.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQLT currently yields 2.41% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

IQLT and VOO share 2 holdings out of 798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IQLTWeight in VOODifference
ROP2.08%0.05%2.03%
IRM0.44%0.06%0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IQLT or VOO?

IQLT has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IQLT or VOO?

Over the past year IQLT returned +23.74% vs +19.58% for VOO, so IQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.27% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IQLT or VOO?

IQLT has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both IQLT and VOO?

IQLT and VOO 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 VOO?

IQLT and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 798 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or VOO?

IQLT yields 2.41% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →