QLVE vs VOO
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QLVE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLVE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 184 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.08% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.78% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.98% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.51% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QLVE vs VOO Performance
FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLVE returned +22.78% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, QLVE is up 12.08% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, QLVE compounded at +16.98% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.51% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +6.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLVE charges 0.18% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLVE currently yields 2.64% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QLVE and VOO share 0 holdings out of 644 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 VOO?
QLVE has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLVE or VOO?
Over the past year QLVE returned +22.78% vs +22.62% for VOO, so QLVE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLVE annualized +6.36% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLVE or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.2% for QLVE. Worst drawdown: QLVE -30.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QLVE and VOO?
QLVE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLVE and VOO?
QLVE and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLVE or VOO?
QLVE yields 2.64% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QLVE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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