QLC vs VOO
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QLC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.75% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.23% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QLC vs VOO Performance
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, QLC is up 14.81% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, QLC compounded at +24.23% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QLC has the edge at +14.53% annualized vs +13.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -35.9% for QLC 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLC charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLC currently yields 0.94% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QLC and VOO share 156 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 56.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLC or VOO?
QLC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLC or VOO?
Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% vs +23.71% for VOO, so QLC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QLC annualized +14.53% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLC or VOO?
QLC has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QLC -35.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QLC and VOO?
QLC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 QLC and VOO?
QLC and VOO share 156 common holdings with a 56.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLC or VOO?
QLC yields 0.94% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO 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.