QDF vs VXUS
QDF vs VXUS
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.43% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.60% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.63% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QDF vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QDF returned +25.60% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QDF is up 15.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, QDF compounded at +18.63% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QDF has the edge at +10.86% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 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 -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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QDF charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QDF currently yields 1.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QDF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7983 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QDF or VXUS?
QDF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QDF or VXUS?
Over the past year QDF returned +25.60% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QDF annualized +10.86% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.4% for QDF. Worst drawdown: QDF -37.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QDF and VXUS?
QDF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QDF and VXUS?
QDF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7983 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDF or VXUS?
QDF yields 1.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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