IMTM vs. IQLT

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IMTM (iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF) and IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMTM is a Momentum fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Momentum, while IQLT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMTM returned 10.44%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for IQLT. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.30% expense ratio.

Performance

IMTM vs. IQLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) and iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMTM achieves a 11.53% return, which is significantly higher than IQLT's 9.81% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IMTM having a 10.44% annualized return and IQLT not far behind at 10.17%.

IMTM

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 11.53%
• 6M: 12.83%
• 1Y: 25.06%
• 3Y*: 21.00%
• 5Y*: 9.19%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

IQLT

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 9.81%
• 6M: 11.22%
• 1Y: 18.29%
• 3Y*: 14.25%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

IMTM vs. IQLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMTM iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF	11.53%	34.50%	12.17%	13.89%	-16.81%	3.50%	22.17%	24.52%	-14.31%	25.46%
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	9.81%	25.42%	1.54%	18.73%	-15.22%	12.94%	12.48%	28.18%	-10.76%	24.04%

Correlation

The correlation between IMTM and IQLT is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2015	0.83

The correlation between IMTM and IQLT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMTM vs. IQLT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMTM	IQLT
Financial Services	28.6%	24.9%
Technology	15.6%	11.8%
Industrials	15.5%	17.8%
Energy	10.0%	5.6%
Basic Materials	9.7%	7.2%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.2%
Utilities	5.3%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	8.2%
Communication Services	1.5%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.1%	1.5%

Return for Risk

IMTM vs. IQLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMTM

IMTM Risk / Return Rank: 44
IMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
IMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
IMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 43
IMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
IMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 49

IQLT

IQLT Risk / Return Rank: 37
IQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
IQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

IMTM vs. IQLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) and iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT). 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.

	IMTM	IQLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.13	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	1.67	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.20	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.63	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.37	6.18	+1.18

IMTM vs. IQLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMTM Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the IQLT Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMTM and IQLT, 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

IMTM vs. IQLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMTM drawdown since its inception was -32.66%, roughly equal to the maximum IQLT drawdown of -32.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMTM and IQLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMTM	IQLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.66%	-32.21%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.85%	-10.38%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.85%	-13.18%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.66%	-30.24%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.66%	-32.21%	-0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.04%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-6.21%	-1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	2.74%	+0.50%

Volatility

IMTM vs. IQLT - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) has a higher volatility of 7.20% compared to iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) at 5.41%. This indicates that IMTM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IQLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMTM	IQLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.20%	5.41%	+1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.06%	12.72%	+3.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.97%	15.00%	+2.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.82%	16.55%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.63%	17.00%	+0.63%

IMTM vs. IQLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IMTM and IQLT have an expense ratio of 0.30%.

Dividends

IMTM vs. IQLT - Dividend Comparison

IMTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than IQLT's 2.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMTM iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF	4.22%	4.70%	2.93%	2.29%	2.68%	2.51%	0.97%	2.13%	2.36%	1.92%	2.75%	1.56%
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	2.12%	2.33%	2.87%	2.27%	3.14%	2.24%	1.61%	2.28%	2.72%	2.36%	2.91%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMTM and IQLT in my portfolio?

IMTM and IQLT have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMTM or IQLT?

IMTM has higher volatility (7.20%) compared to IQLT (5.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMTM dropped -32.66% vs IQLT's -32.21%.

Which ETF is better, IMTM or IQLT?

On 10-year performance, IMTM leads with 10.44% vs 10.17% for IQLT. Both ETFs have the same 0.30% expense ratio. On volatility, IQLT has been the lower-risk option at 5.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMTM or IQLT?

Over the 10-year period, IMTM has performed better with a 10.44% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMTM or IQLT?

IMTM and IQLT have the same expense ratio: 0.30% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IMTM or IQLT?

IMTM has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 2.12% for IQLT.

What is the main difference between IMTM and IQLT?

IMTM is categorized as Momentum, while IQLT is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IMTM tracks MSCI World ex USA Momentum, while IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 1.13), 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.