QLVE vs QQQ
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLVE offers more diversification with 169 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLVE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $17M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 169 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.45% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.64% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.47% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QLVE vs QQQ Performance
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QLVE returned +23.64% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, QLVE is up 13.45% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, QLVE compounded at +17.84% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.47% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +6.52%. 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 13.2% for QLVE. 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 -30.0% for QLVE 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVE charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, QLVE currently yields 2.62% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QLVE and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 240 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 QLVE | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD:IE | 0.15% | 0.27% | 0.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVE or QQQ?
QLVE has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVE or QQQ?
Over the past year QLVE returned +23.64% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVE annualized +6.52% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.2% for QLVE. Worst drawdown: QLVE -30.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QLVE and QQQ?
QLVE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVE and QQQ?
QLVE and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 240 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVE or QQQ?
QLVE yields 2.62% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QLVE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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