QDF vs VTI
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.26% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.15% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.76% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.12% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
QDF vs VTI Performance
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QDF returned +23.15% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, QDF is up 15.26% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, QDF compounded at +18.76% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.12% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QDF has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QDF and VTI share 106 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QDF or VTI?
QDF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QDF or VTI?
Over the past year QDF returned +23.15% vs +22.19% for VTI, so QDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QDF annualized +10.84% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for QDF. Worst drawdown: QDF -37.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QDF and VTI?
QDF and VTI 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 VTI?
QDF and VTI share 106 common holdings with a 36.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDF or VTI?
QDF yields 1.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QDF 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.