IQSM vs. FDLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) and FDLS (Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - IQSM tracks the IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net while FDLS tracks the WI Fidelis Multi-Cap, Multi-Factor Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IQSM returned 13.84%/yr vs 19.65%/yr for FDLS. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQSM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for FDLS.

Performance

IQSM vs. FDLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQSM achieves a 11.77% return, which is significantly lower than FDLS's 13.12% return.

IQSM

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 4.36%
• YTD: 11.77%
• 6M: 12.17%
• 1Y: 22.78%
• 3Y*: 13.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDLS

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -0.93%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 13.26%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: 19.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IQSM vs. FDLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	11.77%	7.97%	9.15%	15.82%	2.29%
FDLS Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF	13.12%	22.47%	7.41%	20.70%	1.65%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSM and FDLS is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2022	0.88

The correlation between IQSM and FDLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQSM vs. FDLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQSM	FDLS
Industrials	23.1%	18.8%
Technology	15.5%	25.7%
Healthcare	14.2%	11.7%
Financial Services	12.4%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	4.4%
Real Estate	10.0%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	4.9%
Basic Materials	4.1%	5.0%
Energy	2.6%	7.1%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.3%
Utilities	0.6%	1.7%

Return for Risk

IQSM vs. FDLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSM

IQSM Risk / Return Rank: 48
IQSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
IQSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IQSM Omega Ratio Rank: 42
IQSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
IQSM Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FDLS

FDLS Risk / Return Rank: 64
FDLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FDLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FDLS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FDLS Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

IQSM vs. FDLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS). 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.

	IQSM	FDLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.99	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	2.82	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.48	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.43	13.96	-4.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQSM vs. FDLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the FDLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSM and FDLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IQSM	FDLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53	1.99	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	0.86	-0.12

Drawdowns

IQSM vs. FDLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSM drawdown since its inception was -23.66%, roughly equal to the maximum FDLS drawdown of -23.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSM and FDLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSM	FDLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.66%	-23.32%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-9.55%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-23.32%	-0.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.66%	+2.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-3.88%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.37%	+0.05%

Volatility

IQSM vs. FDLS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) is 3.97%, while Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS) has a volatility of 4.36%. This indicates that IQSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQSM	FDLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	4.36%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	12.45%	-1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.97%	16.71%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.89%	19.07%	-1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.89%	19.07%	-1.18%

IQSM vs. FDLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than FDLS's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQSM vs. FDLS - Dividend Comparison

IQSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, more than FDLS's 0.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FDLS Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF	0.87%	0.86%	7.26%	0.97%	0.31%
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.06%	1.18%	1.22%	1.11%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSM and FDLS in my portfolio?

IQSM and FDLS have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQSM or FDLS?

FDLS has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to IQSM (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSM dropped -23.66% vs FDLS's -23.32%.

Which ETF is better, IQSM or FDLS?

On 3-year performance, FDLS leads with 19.65% vs 13.84% for IQSM. On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IQSM has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSM or FDLS?

Over the 3-year period, FDLS has performed better with a 19.65% return vs 13.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSM or FDLS?

IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for FDLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQSM or FDLS?

IQSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.87% for FDLS.

What is the main difference between IQSM and FDLS?

IQSM tracks IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net, while FDLS tracks WI Fidelis Multi-Cap, Multi-Factor Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSM and 0.76% for FDLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.53), 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.