QLVD vs VXUS
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLVD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $54M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.46% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.38% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.33% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.22% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QLVD vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLVD returned +15.38% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, QLVD is up 10.46% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, QLVD compounded at +14.33% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.22% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLVD has the edge at +7.23% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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
QLVD charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVD currently yields 3.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QLVD and VXUS share 122 holdings out of 7910 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVD or VXUS?
QLVD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVD or VXUS?
Over the past year QLVD returned +15.38% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVD annualized +7.23% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: QLVD -28.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QLVD and VXUS?
QLVD and VXUS 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 QLVD and VXUS?
QLVD and VXUS share 122 common holdings with a 12.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVD or VXUS?
QLVD yields 3.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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