QLC vs VYM
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QLC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.75% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.23% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLC vs VYM Performance
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, QLC is up 14.81% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, QLC compounded at +24.23% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QLC has the edge at +14.53% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLC charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLC currently yields 0.94% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLC and VYM share 86 holdings out of 647 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLC or VYM?
QLC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLC or VYM?
Over the past year QLC returned +28.75% vs +26.12% for VYM, so QLC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QLC annualized +14.53% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLC or VYM?
QLC has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QLC -35.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLC and VYM?
QLC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLC and VYM?
QLC and VYM share 86 common holdings with a 29.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLC or VYM?
QLC yields 0.94% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM 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.