QLV vs VXUS
Northern Trust US Quality Low Volatility ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, QLV or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QLV led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $167M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 122 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +11.45% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.98% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.98% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.07%Best | +8.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,156Best | $15,323 |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 16, 2019 to Sep 11, 2026 (7.2 years).
QLV vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7.2 years both funds cover.
QLV vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust US Quality Low Volatility ETF (QLV) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLV returned +12.98% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, QLV is up 11.45% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, QLV compounded at +15.98% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.07% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLV has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +9.79%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 13.6% 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 -35.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
QLV charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLV currently yields 1.49% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.3% of QLV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
QLV and VXUS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, QLV as of Aug 31, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
2 positions in common, counted across the 120 positions we hold weights for in QLV and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 122 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QLV and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLV or VXUS?
QLV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QLV or VXUS?
Over the past year QLV returned +12.98% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLV annualized +11.36% vs +9.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QLV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 13.6% for QLV. Worst drawdown: QLV -34.0% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both QLV and VXUS?
QLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between QLV and VXUS?
At least 1.3% of QLV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 120 positions we hold weights for in QLV and 8,091 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLV or VXUS?
QLV yields 1.49% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than QLV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QLV led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.