QUAL vs. BDGS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QUAL (iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF) and BDGS (Bridges Capital Tactical ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. QUAL is passively managed, while BDGS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QUAL returned 18.53%/yr vs 13.42%/yr for BDGS. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QUAL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for BDGS.

Performance

QUAL vs. BDGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) and Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QUAL achieves a 7.67% return, which is significantly higher than BDGS's 4.21% return.

QUAL

• 1D: -1.31%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 7.67%
• 6M: 6.84%
• 1Y: 21.07%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 14.47%

BDGS

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: -1.13%
• YTD: 4.21%
• 6M: 3.97%
• 1Y: 11.63%
• 3Y*: 13.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QUAL vs. BDGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	7.67%	12.65%	22.29%	19.29%
BDGS Bridges Capital Tactical ETF	4.21%	10.61%	19.07%	8.23%

Correlation

The correlation between QUAL and BDGS is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2023	0.73

The correlation between QUAL and BDGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

QUAL vs. BDGS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QUAL	BDGS
Technology	38.8%	37.4%
Communication Services	11.8%	16.6%
Financial Services	10.8%	9.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	10.9%
Healthcare	8.7%	7.5%
Industrials	7.2%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	4.1%
Energy	3.2%	2.6%
Utilities	2.1%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.5%

Return for Risk

QUAL vs. BDGS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUAL

QUAL Risk / Return Rank: 53
QUAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
QUAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
QUAL Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QUAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
QUAL Martin Ratio Rank: 62

BDGS

BDGS Risk / Return Rank: 62
BDGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
BDGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
BDGS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
BDGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
BDGS Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

QUAL vs. BDGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) and Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS). 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.

	QUAL	BDGS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.84	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.75	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.37	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.90	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.65	12.72	-2.07

QUAL vs. BDGS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the BDGS Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUAL and BDGS, 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

QUAL vs. BDGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUAL drawdown since its inception was -34.06%, which is greater than BDGS's maximum drawdown of -9.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUAL and BDGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUAL	BDGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.06%	-9.12%	-24.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-4.03%	-5.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.00%	-9.12%	-8.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.82%	-2.17%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.09%	-0.66%	-3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	0.92%	+1.06%

Volatility

QUAL vs. BDGS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) has a higher volatility of 4.09% compared to Bridges Capital Tactical ETF (BDGS) at 2.30%. This indicates that QUAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BDGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QUAL	BDGS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.09%	2.30%	+1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.63%	5.17%	+4.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.14%	6.38%	+5.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	8.22%	+9.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	8.22%	+9.88%

QUAL vs. BDGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUAL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BDGS's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUAL vs. BDGS - Dividend Comparison

QUAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than BDGS's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BDGS Bridges Capital Tactical ETF	0.53%	0.55%	1.81%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	0.89%	0.94%	1.02%	1.23%	1.59%	1.20%	1.39%	1.60%	2.00%	1.76%	1.96%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QUAL and BDGS in my portfolio?

QUAL and BDGS have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QUAL or BDGS?

QUAL has higher volatility (4.09%) compared to BDGS (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUAL dropped -34.06% vs BDGS's -9.12%.

Which ETF is better, QUAL or BDGS?

On 3-year performance, QUAL leads with 18.53% vs 13.42% for BDGS. On fees, QUAL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BDGS has been the lower-risk option at 2.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QUAL or BDGS?

Over the 3-year period, QUAL has performed better with a 18.53% return vs 13.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QUAL or BDGS?

QUAL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for BDGS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QUAL or BDGS?

QUAL has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.53% for BDGS.

What is the main difference between QUAL and BDGS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Bridges. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for QUAL and 0.87% for BDGS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BDGS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.75), 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.