QLC vs VTI
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QLC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.25% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.31% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.24% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.61% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
QLC vs VTI Performance
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLC returned +27.31% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, QLC is up 14.25% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, QLC compounded at +24.24% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.61% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QLC has the edge at +14.46% annualized vs +8.13%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -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 0.93. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QLC and VTI share 157 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLC or VTI?
QLC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLC or VTI?
Over the past year QLC returned +27.31% vs +23.31% for VTI, so QLC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QLC annualized +14.46% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLC or VTI?
QLC has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QLC -35.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QLC and VTI?
QLC and VTI 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 VTI?
QLC and VTI share 157 common holdings with a 51.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLC or VTI?
QLC yields 0.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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