The iShares MSCI International Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of an index composed of companies from developed markets outside the United States with characteristics associated with the quality factor. The ETF is managed by BlackRock and trades under the ticker IQLT on NYSE Arca.
Classified as an equity ETF with exposure to developed markets outside the United States and a focus on the quality factor, IQLT seeks to reflect, before fees and expenses, the performance of securities selected according to financial quality metrics.
The fund follows a passive management strategy, replicating the MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index, which selects companies based on factors such as return on equity (ROE), earnings stability, and lower financial leverage.
Diversification and sector exposure
IQLT provides exposure to international companies with financial quality characteristics across sectors including:
• Information technology
• Health care
• Consumer discretionary
• Consumer staples
• Communication services
• Financials
• Industrials
This composition seeks to represent companies with stronger financial fundamentals across developed international markets.
Structure and costs
IQLT shares trade on the secondary market on NYSE Arca during regular trading hours. Creation and redemption occur through authorized participants, helping maintain alignment between market price and net asset value.
The fund charges a management fee as outlined in its prospectus and does not apply a performance fee. IQLT trades exclusively under the ticker IQLT.
History and evolution of the ETF
The iShares MSCI International Quality Factor ETF was launched in 2015, during a period of expansion in factor-based ETFs focused on quantitatively selecting companies with stronger financial quality characteristics.
Since inception, the fund has been used by investors seeking international exposure based on quality and operational stability criteria.
In recent years, IQLT has reflected global interest rate cycles, international market volatility, rotations between growth and value equities, and investor preference for companies with stronger financial fundamentals.
Additional Information
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (United States) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with assets under management totaling $13.07 Billions.
Over the past 12 months, iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF recorded a return of 14.53%, with its price trading between $41.42 and $49.80 during the same period.
The ETF is traded under the ticker IQLT.