IGF vs. QAI

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

IGF (iShares Global Infrastructure ETF) and QAI (IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGF is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Infrastructure Index, while QAI is a Long-Short fund tracking the IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGF returned 8.53%/yr vs 3.84%/yr for QAI. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGF charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QAI.

Performance

IGF vs. QAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGF achieves a 8.95% return, which is significantly higher than QAI's 8.18% return. Over the past 10 years, IGF has outperformed QAI with an annualized return of 8.53%, while QAI has yielded a comparatively lower 3.84% annualized return.

IGF

• 1D: 1.21%
• 1M: -0.77%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 6M: 9.24%
• 1Y: 16.47%
• 3Y*: 16.15%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

QAI

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 8.18%
• 6M: 7.84%
• 1Y: 14.62%
• 3Y*: 9.79%
• 5Y*: 4.38%
• 10Y*: 3.84%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IGF vs. QAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGF iShares Global Infrastructure ETF	8.95%	21.31%	14.81%	6.14%	-1.26%	11.57%	-6.50%	25.82%	-9.95%	19.31%
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	8.18%	8.29%	6.67%	10.07%	-8.68%	-0.16%	5.73%	8.68%	-3.32%	6.17%

Correlation

The correlation between IGF and QAI is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2009	0.63

The correlation between IGF and QAI shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IGF vs. QAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGF	QAI
Utilities	41.1%	3.8%
Industrials	38.8%	13.6%
Energy	20.1%	3.7%
Real Estate	0.1%	2.9%
Basic Materials	-	5.3%
Communication Services	-	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.7%
Financial Services	-	19.5%
Healthcare	-	7.1%
Technology	-	21.9%

Return for Risk

IGF vs. QAI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IGF

IGF Risk / Return Rank: 58
IGF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
IGF Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
IGF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IGF Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IGF Martin Ratio Rank: 56

QAI

QAI Risk / Return Rank: 86
QAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
QAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
QAI Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
QAI Martin Ratio Rank: 87

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IGF vs. QAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IGF	QAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.30	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	3.21	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.45	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	3.95	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	15.66	-7.52

IGF vs. QAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGF Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the QAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGF and QAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IGF vs. QAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGF drawdown since its inception was -58.33%, which is greater than QAI's maximum drawdown of -14.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGF and QAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGF	QAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.33%	-14.95%	-43.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.87%	-3.71%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-7.78%	-6.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.83%	-14.32%	-6.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.11%	-14.95%	-27.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.63%	-1.17%	-2.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.86%	-2.57%	-9.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	0.94%	+1.09%

Volatility

IGF vs. QAI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) has a higher volatility of 3.81% compared to IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) at 2.83%. This indicates that IGF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGF	QAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	2.83%	+0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.71%	5.41%	+3.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.57%	6.39%	+4.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.00%	6.63%	+7.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.83%	6.21%	+10.62%

IGF vs. QAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGF has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than QAI's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGF vs. QAI - Dividend Comparison

IGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than QAI's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGF iShares Global Infrastructure ETF	2.96%	3.23%	3.21%	3.36%	2.67%	2.42%	2.33%	3.27%	3.52%	2.95%	2.98%	3.25%
QAI IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF	1.39%	1.50%	2.22%	4.08%	2.00%	0.28%	1.98%	1.91%	1.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGF and QAI in my portfolio?

IGF and QAI have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGF or QAI?

IGF has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to QAI (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGF dropped -58.33% vs QAI's -14.95%.

Which ETF is better, IGF or QAI?

On 10-year performance, IGF leads with 8.53% vs 3.84% for QAI. On fees, IGF is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, QAI has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGF or QAI?

Over the 10-year period, IGF has performed better with a 8.53% return vs 3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGF or QAI?

IGF is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGF or QAI?

IGF has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 1.39% for QAI.

What is the main difference between IGF and QAI?

IGF is categorized as Industrials Equities, while QAI is Long-Short. IGF tracks S&P Global Infrastructure Index, while QAI tracks IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGF and 0.79% for QAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.57), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.