QDF vs SPY
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.93% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.75% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QDF vs SPY Performance
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QDF returned +24.44% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, QDF is up 14.93% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, QDF compounded at +18.75% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QDF has the edge at +10.82% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for QDF. 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 -37.2% for QDF and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QDF charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QDF currently yields 1.50% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QDF and SPY share 88 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QDF or SPY?
QDF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QDF or SPY?
Over the past year QDF returned +24.44% vs +22.91% for SPY, so QDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QDF annualized +10.82% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for QDF. Worst drawdown: QDF -37.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QDF and SPY?
QDF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 QDF and SPY?
QDF and SPY share 88 common holdings with a 39.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDF or SPY?
QDF yields 1.50% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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