QLVD vs VYM
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-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 | QLVD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $55M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.69% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.85% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.44% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.29% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLVD vs VYM Performance
FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLVD returned +13.85% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, QLVD is up 10.69% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, QLVD compounded at +15.44% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.29% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLVD has the edge at +7.24% annualized vs +7.05%. 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 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 -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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVD charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVD currently yields 2.93% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVD or VYM?
QLVD has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVD or VYM?
Over the past year QLVD returned +13.85% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVD annualized +7.24% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.9% for QLVD. Worst drawdown: QLVD -28.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLVD and VYM?
QLVD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVD and VYM?
QLVD and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 774 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVD or VYM?
QLVD yields 2.93% while VYM yields 2.24%, so QLVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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