QLVD vs VTI
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-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 | QLVD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $55M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.44% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.56% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
QLVD vs VTI Performance
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLVD returned +14.56% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QLVD is up 11.44% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QLVD compounded at +15.73% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.33%. 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 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 -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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVD charges 0.12% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QLVD and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2956 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVD or VTI?
QLVD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVD or VTI?
Over the past year QLVD returned +14.56% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVD annualized +7.33% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: QLVD -28.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QLVD and VTI?
QLVD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVD and VTI?
QLVD and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVD or VTI?
QLVD yields 2.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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