IQDF vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IQDF (FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IQDF tracks the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index while SPDW tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQDF returned 10.13%/yr vs 10.63%/yr for SPDW. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQDF charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

IQDF vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQDF achieves a 14.42% return, which is significantly higher than SPDW's 13.29% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IQDF having a 10.13% annualized return and SPDW not far ahead at 10.63%.

IQDF

• 1D: -2.67%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 14.42%
• 6M: 14.23%
• 1Y: 34.45%
• 3Y*: 22.56%
• 5Y*: 10.57%
• 10Y*: 10.13%

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IQDF vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund	14.42%	35.42%	6.62%	20.10%	-14.69%	10.18%	3.54%	20.96%	-17.39%	23.87%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	34.75%	3.55%	17.81%	-15.98%	11.45%	9.90%	22.41%	-14.22%	25.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IQDF and SPDW is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2013	0.94

The correlation between IQDF and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQDF vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQDF	SPDW
Financial Services	28.2%	22.2%
Technology	22.9%	16.8%
Industrials	11.8%	18.4%
Basic Materials	7.4%	7.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	5.4%
Healthcare	4.8%	7.9%
Energy	4.2%	4.9%
Utilities	3.2%	3.0%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.3%

Return for Risk

IQDF vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IQDF

IQDF Risk / Return Rank: 73
IQDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IQDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IQDF Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IQDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
IQDF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IQDF vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IQDF	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	1.82	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.50	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.33	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	2.63	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.16	10.15	+3.01

IQDF vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQDF and SPDW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IQDF vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQDF drawdown since its inception was -39.83%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQDF and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQDF	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.83%	-60.02%	+20.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.03%	-11.55%	+1.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-13.53%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.36%	-30.21%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.83%	-34.98%	-4.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.67%	-2.99%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-12.88%	+3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	2.99%	-0.36%

Volatility

IQDF vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) is 6.68%, while SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) has a volatility of 7.05%. This indicates that IQDF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQDF	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.68%	7.05%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.52%	14.59%	-1.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.48%	16.72%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.70%	16.70%	-1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	17.13%	-0.62%

IQDF vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQDF has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQDF vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

IQDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, which matches SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund	3.05%	3.27%	6.72%	6.06%	5.59%	4.13%	3.31%	4.46%	5.78%	3.89%	3.75%	4.27%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQDF and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IQDF and SPDW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IQDF or SPDW?

SPDW has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to IQDF (6.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQDF dropped -39.83% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, IQDF or SPDW?

On 10-year performance, SPDW leads with 10.63% vs 10.13% for IQDF. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, IQDF has been the lower-risk option at 6.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQDF or SPDW?

Over the 10-year period, SPDW has performed better with a 10.63% return vs 10.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQDF or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IQDF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQDF or SPDW?

IQDF and SPDW have nearly identical dividend yields, around 3.05%.

What is the main difference between IQDF and SPDW?

IQDF tracks Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while SPDW tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IQDF and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.82), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.