QLC vs VXUS
QLC vs VXUS
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QLC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.75% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.23% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QLC vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QLC is up 14.81% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, QLC compounded at +24.23% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QLC has the edge at +14.53% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLC charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLC currently yields 0.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QLC and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8033 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLC or VXUS?
QLC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLC or VXUS?
Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so QLC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QLC annualized +14.53% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLC or VXUS?
QLC has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QLC -35.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QLC and VXUS?
QLC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLC and VXUS?
QLC and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8033 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLC or VXUS?
QLC yields 0.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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