IQDF vs VXUS
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IQDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQDF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.37% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.48% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.43% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.97% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IQDF vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IQDF returned +31.48% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, IQDF is up 18.37% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, IQDF compounded at +24.43% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.97% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IQDF has the edge at +4.94% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for IQDF. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -47.3% for IQDF and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQDF charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQDF currently yields 2.98% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IQDF and VXUS share 136 holdings out of 7920 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDF or VXUS?
IQDF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQDF or VXUS?
Over the past year IQDF returned +31.48% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so IQDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IQDF annualized +4.94% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for IQDF. Worst drawdown: IQDF -47.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IQDF and VXUS?
IQDF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IQDF and VXUS?
IQDF and VXUS share 136 common holdings with a 15.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7920 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDF or VXUS?
IQDF yields 2.98% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IQDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.