IQLT vs. VIGI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IQLT (iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF) and VIGI (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation 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 VIGI is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQLT returned 10.24%/yr vs 8.32%/yr for VIGI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQLT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VIGI.

Performance

IQLT vs. VIGI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQLT achieves a 10.21% return, which is significantly higher than VIGI's 3.29% return. Over the past 10 years, IQLT has outperformed VIGI with an annualized return of 10.24%, while VIGI has yielded a comparatively lower 8.32% annualized return.

IQLT

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.46%
• YTD: 10.21%
• 6M: 10.35%
• 1Y: 20.82%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: 10.24%

VIGI

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 10.37%
• 5Y*: 4.55%
• 10Y*: 8.32%

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

IQLT vs. VIGI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	10.21%	25.42%	1.54%	18.73%	-15.22%	12.94%	12.48%	28.18%	-10.76%	24.04%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	3.29%	16.88%	2.73%	16.30%	-16.79%	12.51%	14.66%	27.53%	-11.50%	27.97%

Correlation

The correlation between IQLT and VIGI is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.91

The correlation between IQLT and VIGI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQLT vs. VIGI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQLT	VIGI
Financial Services	25.0%	29.0%
Industrials	17.7%	17.1%
Technology	13.0%	11.5%
Healthcare	8.7%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	3.1%
Basic Materials	7.2%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	9.7%
Energy	4.9%	2.8%
Utilities	3.5%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.1%	1.3%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.3%

Return for Risk

IQLT vs. VIGI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQLT

IQLT Risk / Return Rank: 42
IQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
IQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 39
IQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
IQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VIGI

VIGI Risk / Return Rank: 21
VIGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VIGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. VIGI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI). 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	VIGI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	0.70	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.07	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.13	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	0.86	+1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.67	3.03	+4.63

IQLT vs. VIGI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is higher than the VIGI Sharpe Ratio of 0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQLT and VIGI, 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. VIGI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQLT drawdown since its inception was -32.21%, roughly equal to the maximum VIGI drawdown of -31.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQLT and VIGI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQLT	VIGI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.21%	-31.01%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-10.64%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.18%	-14.50%	+1.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.24%	-28.80%	-1.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.21%	-31.01%	-1.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-1.85%	+1.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.20%	-6.16%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	3.01%	-0.29%

Volatility

IQLT vs. VIGI - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) has a higher volatility of 4.82% compared to Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) at 3.09%. This indicates that IQLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIGI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQLT	VIGI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.82%	3.09%	+1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.64%	10.33%	+2.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.90%	13.05%	+1.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.53%	14.46%	+2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	15.85%	+1.09%

IQLT vs. VIGI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQLT has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGI's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQLT vs. VIGI - Dividend Comparison

IQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.42%, more than VIGI's 2.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQLT iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF	2.42%	2.33%	2.87%	2.27%	3.14%	2.24%	1.61%	2.28%	2.72%	2.36%	2.91%	2.78%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	2.14%	2.14%	1.93%	1.92%	2.06%	7.02%	1.29%	1.83%	1.99%	1.75%	1.05%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQLT and VIGI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IQLT and VIGI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IQLT or VIGI?

IQLT has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to VIGI (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQLT dropped -32.21% vs VIGI's -31.01%.

Which ETF is better, IQLT or VIGI?

On 10-year performance, IQLT leads with 10.24% vs 8.32% for VIGI. On fees, VIGI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VIGI has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQLT or VIGI?

Over the 10-year period, IQLT has performed better with a 10.24% return vs 8.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQLT or VIGI?

VIGI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IQLT.

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

IQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 2.14% for VIGI.

What is the main difference between IQLT and VIGI?

IQLT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VIGI is Dividend. IQLT tracks MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index (Net), while VIGI tracks S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IQLT and 0.15% for VIGI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 0.70), 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.