PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan

FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) Sharpe Ratio: 0.87

ETF · Currency in USD · Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QLVD is a passive ETF by Northern Trust tracking the investment results of the Northern Trust Developed Markets ex US Quality Low Volatility Index. QLVD launched on Jul 15, 2019 and has a 0.32% expense ratio.

QLVD's Sharpe Ratio of 0.87 indicates that for each unit of volatility, it generates 0.87 units of excess return above the risk-free rate. The ratio is calculated using historical daily returns over the past 12 months (as of Jun 23, 2026).

Sharpe uses total volatility (standard deviation) which includes both upside and downside price movements, making it useful for comparing risk-adjusted returns across different assets. For how to read this number and when it can mislead, see Sharpe Ratio Explained.

QLVD Sharpe Ratio Rank

QLVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24.725
Below Average

QLVD ranks above 24.7% of all investments in our database based on Sharpe Ratio over the past 12 months, indicating below-average returns relative to volatility. Securities are ranked from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

What moves the rank

  • Strong returns with low total volatility → Higher rank
  • High volatility (both upside and downside) → Lower rank
  • Consistent returns → Higher rank than volatile returns of same magnitude
  • Sharp drawdowns increase volatility → Lower rank

What you can do with this information

  • Returns may not adequately compensate for volatility taken
  • Consider smaller allocation given below-average risk-adjusted profile
  • Explore higher-ranked investments with better consistency
  • Assess whether the volatility profile aligns with your portfolio goals

QLVD Sharpe Ratio Market Positioning

The chart shows QLVD's Sharpe Ratio relative to all ETFs on our platform, with color zones indicating percentile rankings. Higher ratios indicate better risk-adjusted returns.

  • Red zone (bottom 25%): 0.86 or lower
  • Yellow zone (middle 50%): 0.86 to 2.31
  • Green zone (top 25%): 2.31 or higher
  • Top 1%: 7.47+
  • Median: 1.67 — half of all investments score higher

How it compares to other similar ETFs

The table compares FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund's Sharpe Ratio with other ETFs in the Volatility Hedged Equity category across multiple time periods, showing how QLVD's risk-adjusted performance compares to similar funds.

Data shows 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods, plus each fund's all-time average, as of Jun 23, 2026.

SymbolName1Y Sharpe Ratio5Y Sharpe Ratio10Y Sharpe RatioAll Time Sharpe Ratio
LVHIFranklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF3.34
FLLVFranklin Liberty U.S. Low Volatility ETF2.90
VSMVVictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF2.64
QLVEFlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund1.95
DVQQWEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF1.93
EJANInnovator Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF January1.86
SIXH6 Meridian Hedged Equity-Index Option Strategy ETF1.77
QLVFlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund1.76
SMLVSPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF1.76
DVSPWEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF1.52
QLVDFlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund0.87

S&P 500 Index

How to choose period

Historical Sharpe Ratio

The chart shows QLVD's rolling Sharpe ratio over time compared to your chosen benchmark. Rising trends indicate improving returns relative to total volatility, while declining trends may signal deteriorating risk-adjusted performance or increased volatility. Use multiple timeframes to distinguish short-term fluctuations from long-term patterns.

Identify market cycles by observing when QLVD consistently outperforms (line above benchmark), underperforms (below benchmark), or aligns with the benchmark.

Loading charts...

Sharpe Ratio Calculator

How does QLVD fit in your portfolio?

Add your other holdings to see your portfolio's Sharpe Ratio and find out.

Analyze Your Portfolio