QLV vs VOO
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.05% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.30% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QLV vs VOO Performance
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLV returned +15.30% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, QLV is up 12.05% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, QLV compounded at +16.44% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.00% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.7% for QLV. 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 -34.0% for QLV 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLV charges 0.08% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $3 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLV currently yields 1.53% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QLV and VOO share 83 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLV or VOO?
QLV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLV or VOO?
Over the past year QLV returned +15.30% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLV annualized +11.54% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.7% for QLV. Worst drawdown: QLV -34.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QLV and VOO?
QLV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 QLV and VOO?
QLV and VOO share 83 common holdings with a 39.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLV or VOO?
QLV yields 1.53% while VOO yields 1.08%, so QLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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