QLV vs VTI
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.70% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.60% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
QLV vs VTI Performance
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLV returned +15.70% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QLV is up 12.31% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QLV compounded at +16.60% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.00% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLV has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.91. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QLV and VTI share 104 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLV or VTI?
QLV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLV or VTI?
Over the past year QLV returned +15.70% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLV annualized +11.57% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for QLV. Worst drawdown: QLV -34.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QLV and VTI?
QLV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VTI?
QLV and VTI share 104 common holdings with a 37.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLV or VTI?
QLV yields 1.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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