QLVD vs VOO
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-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 | QLVD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $55M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.30% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.92% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QLVD vs VOO Performance
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLVD returned +14.30% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, QLVD is up 10.45% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, QLVD compounded at +14.53% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.92% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +7.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVD charges 0.12% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVD currently yields 2.93% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QLVD and VOO share 1 holdings out of 677 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLVD | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 0.60% | 0.05% | 0.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVD or VOO?
QLVD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVD or VOO?
Over the past year QLVD returned +14.30% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVD annualized +7.22% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: QLVD -28.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QLVD and VOO?
QLVD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVD and VOO?
QLVD and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVD or VOO?
QLVD yields 2.93% while VOO yields 1.08%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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