QLV vs VYM
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $168M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.55% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.99% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.39% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.07% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLV vs VYM Performance
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLV returned +14.99% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, QLV is up 12.55% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, QLV compounded at +16.39% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.07% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLV has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLV charges 0.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLV currently yields 1.53% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLV and VYM share 66 holdings out of 654 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLV or VYM?
QLV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLV or VYM?
Over the past year QLV returned +14.99% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLV annualized +11.58% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.7% for QLV. Worst drawdown: QLV -34.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLV and VYM?
QLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLV and VYM?
QLV and VYM share 66 common holdings with a 27.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLV or VYM?
QLV yields 1.53% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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