QLVE vs SCHD
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLVE offers more diversification with 139 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLVE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $17M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 184 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.15% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.61% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.65% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QLVE vs SCHD Performance
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QLVE returned +22.15% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QLVE is up 11.95% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, QLVE compounded at +16.61% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.65% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +6.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVE charges 0.18% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $6 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVE currently yields 2.64% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QLVE and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 239 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLVE or SCHD?
QLVE has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVE or SCHD?
Over the past year QLVE returned +22.15% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVE annualized +6.35% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVE or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.2% for QLVE. Worst drawdown: QLVE -30.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QLVE and SCHD?
QLVE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVE and SCHD?
QLVE and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 239 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVE or SCHD?
QLVE yields 2.64% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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