IQLT vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) and SPSM (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQLT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while SPSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQLT returned 10.17%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for SPSM. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IQLT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

IQLT vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQLT achieves a 9.81% return, which is significantly lower than SPSM's 19.73% return. Over the past 10 years, IQLT has underperformed SPSM with an annualized return of 10.17%, while SPSM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.30% annualized return.

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%

SPSM

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 5.61%
• YTD: 19.73%
• 6M: 16.52%
• 1Y: 37.11%
• 3Y*: 14.81%
• 5Y*: 6.32%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

IQLT vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
SPSM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	19.73%	6.11%	8.55%	16.11%	-16.12%	26.67%	11.69%	25.85%	-11.17%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between IQLT and SPSM is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2015	0.64

The correlation between IQLT and SPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQLT vs. SPSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQLT	SPSM
Financial Services	24.9%	16.3%
Industrials	17.8%	16.0%
Technology	11.8%	16.7%
Healthcare	9.2%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	12.7%
Basic Materials	7.2%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	3.4%
Energy	5.6%	7.1%
Utilities	3.7%	1.8%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.1%
Real Estate	1.5%	7.4%

Return for Risk

IQLT vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 74
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

IQLT vs. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

	IQLT	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.95	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	2.80	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.33	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	3.96	-2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.18	13.39	-7.20

IQLT vs. SPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the SPSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQLT and SPSM, 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

IQLT vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQLT drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQLT and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQLT	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-42.89%	+10.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-8.72%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.18%	-27.94%	+14.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.24%	-27.94%	-2.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.21%	-42.89%	+10.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	0.00%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-7.91%	+1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	2.59%	+0.15%

Volatility

IQLT vs. SPSM - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) has a higher volatility of 5.41% compared to State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) at 5.14%. This indicates that IQLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQLT	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.41%	5.14%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.72%	11.96%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	17.69%	-2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.55%	21.45%	-4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	23.00%	-6.00%

IQLT vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQLT has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQLT vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

IQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, more than SPSM's 1.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPSM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.37%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQLT and SPSM in my portfolio?

IQLT and SPSM have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQLT or SPSM?

IQLT has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to SPSM (5.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQLT dropped -32.21% vs SPSM's -42.89%.

Which ETF is better, IQLT or SPSM?

On 10-year performance, SPSM leads with 11.30% vs 10.17% for IQLT. On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SPSM has been the lower-risk option at 5.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQLT or SPSM?

Over the 10-year period, SPSM has performed better with a 11.30% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQLT or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IQLT.

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

IQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.12%, compared with 1.37% for SPSM.

What is the main difference between IQLT and SPSM?

IQLT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPSM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while SPSM tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IQLT and 0.03% for SPSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 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.