QLVD vs QQQ
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QLVD has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLVD offers more diversification with 216 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLVD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $55M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.44% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.56% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QLVD vs QQQ Performance
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QLVD returned +14.56% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QLVD is up 11.44% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, QLVD compounded at +15.73% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.9% for QLVD. 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 -28.4% for QLVD and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVD charges 0.12% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $18 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVD currently yields 2.93% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVD or QQQ?
QLVD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QLVD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVD or QQQ?
Over the past year QLVD returned +14.56% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVD annualized +7.33% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: QLVD -28.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QLVD and QQQ?
QLVD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVD and QQQ?
QLVD and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 273 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVD or QQQ?
QLVD yields 2.93% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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