IQLT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. IQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: IQLTMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIQLTVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.03%
AUM$13.6B$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.41%1.07%
Holdings3253,543
YTD Return+14.21%+14.20%
1Y Return+24.80%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.15%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.17%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)14.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-32.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 13, 2015May 24, 2001

IQLT vs VTI Performance

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQLT returned +24.80% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, IQLT is up 14.21% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, IQLT compounded at +16.15% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.17% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.8% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

IQLT and VTI share 5 holdings out of 3073 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 VTIDifference
ROP2.08%0.05%2.03%
IRM0.44%0.05%0.39%
SUNB0.21%0.04%0.17%
MTX:SGProProPro
SGP:AUProProPro
See all 5 holdings IQLT shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IQLT or VTI?

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

Which performed better, IQLT or VTI?

Over the past year IQLT returned +24.80% vs +24.16% for VTI, so IQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.53% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IQLT or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.8% for IQLT. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both IQLT and VTI?

IQLT and VTI 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 VTI?

IQLT and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3073 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or VTI?

IQLT yields 2.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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