QDF vs VOO
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.93% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.75% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QDF vs VOO Performance
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QDF returned +24.44% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, QDF is up 14.93% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, QDF compounded at +18.75% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +10.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QDF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QDF currently yields 1.50% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QDF and VOO share 88 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QDF or VOO?
QDF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QDF or VOO?
Over the past year QDF returned +24.44% vs +23.01% for VOO, so QDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QDF annualized +10.82% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDF or VOO?
QDF has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QDF -37.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QDF and VOO?
QDF and VOO 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 VOO?
QDF and VOO share 88 common holdings with a 38.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDF or VOO?
QDF yields 1.50% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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