3 Quality and Value-Focused ETFs to Buy Now for Steady Long-Term Returns

Investors who are looking for quality and value in this current market have plenty of work to do to find investments that meet their underlying criteria.

24/7 Wall Street • Jan 21, 2026

IQLT: Quality International Hedge Against Weakening Dollar

The iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is rated a 'Buy' for its quality-focused international exposure and downside protection amid a weakening US dollar. IQLT's quality screening — focusing on ROE, earnings stability, and low leverage — has historically muted upside but limited drawdowns relative to broader international peers. The ETF outperformed the S&P 500 in 2025 (+23.64% YoY) but slightly lagged other international ETFs, with strong momentum and a competitive 0.30% expense ratio.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 6, 2026

China ETFs' Paradox: Winning But Ignored in 2025

It's been a good year for international equity ETFs. As a category, broad exposure funds tapping into both developed and emerging market equities have delivered outsized gains relative to U.S. markets this year, as well as much sought portfolio diversification.

ETF Trends • Nov 5, 2025

4 Quality ETFs in Focus Amid Growing U.S.-China Trade Tensions

The U.S.-China trade tensions flare again. As tariffs rise, quality ETFs like QUS, SPHQ, QUAL & IQLT outperform SPY lately.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 16, 2025

IXUS Vs. IQLT: Why Selectivity Matters In International Investing

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF provides extremely broad international exposure at a very low cost but sacrifices quality by including thousands of weaker companies. IXUS's wide breadth dilutes returns, as many international firms lag U.S. peers in both growth and profitability. In contrast, quality-screened ETFs like IQLT concentrate on high-ROE, low-leverage companies, resulting in stronger returns, faster recoveries from drawdowns, and better long-term compounding despite higher valuation multiples.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 30, 2025

IQLT: A Reasonable Choice For International Equity Exposure

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF has a portfolio of 303 ex-U.S. stocks, weighted based on capitalization and a quality score. IQLT is well diversified across countries and holdings, with a focus on financials and industrials. IQLT looks overvalued compared to the benchmark, but has outperformed it and its close competitors since inception.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 22, 2025

Will Nvidia Disrupt International Equity ETF Demand?

It's been a great year for international equity ETF investors. Will it persist after Nvidia Q1 results?

ETF Trends • May 30, 2025

5 Quality ETFs Topping S&P 500 Past Month

These quality ETFs beat the S&P 500 in the tariff-torn past month.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 21, 2025

Why You Should Buy Quality ETFs on Sale Now

Tap five quality ETFs that are available on sale to counter the economic slowdown fear and tariff tantrum.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 26, 2025

IQLT: A Quality-Driven International ETF With Strong Growth Characteristics

IQLT offers exposure to about 300 quality developed market stocks, focusing on profitability, stable earnings growth, and strong balance sheets, with a 0.30% expense ratio. The fund outperformed the MSCI World ex USA Index but lagged behind the S&P 500 due to limited technology sector exposure. IQLT's growth tilt contributes to its strong performance, but currency risk remains a concern for investors.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 13, 2025