IQDF vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IQDF (FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQDF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQDF returned 9.66%/yr vs 9.76%/yr for VXUS. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IQDF charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

IQDF vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQDF achieves a 15.38% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 14.25% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IQDF having a 9.66% annualized return and VXUS not far ahead at 9.76%.

IQDF

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: 5.16%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 18.18%
• 1Y: 35.90%
• 3Y*: 22.80%
• 5Y*: 10.43%
• 10Y*: 9.66%

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

IQDF vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund	15.38%	35.42%	6.62%	20.10%	-14.69%	10.18%	3.54%	20.96%	-17.39%	23.87%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between IQDF and VXUS is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 17, 2013	0.95

The correlation between IQDF and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQDF vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQDF	VXUS
Financial Services	25.9%	22.3%
Technology	15.6%	18.1%
Industrials	13.2%	16.1%
Basic Materials	8.3%	7.6%
Energy	7.2%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	8.4%
Healthcare	6.0%	7.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	5.0%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.4%
Utilities	3.9%	3.2%
Real Estate	2.3%	2.6%

Return for Risk

IQDF vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQDF

IQDF Risk / Return Rank: 74
IQDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
IQDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
IQDF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IQDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
IQDF Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	IQDF	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	2.12	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.90	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.39	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	2.85	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.93	11.14	+2.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQDF vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQDF and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IQDF	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50	2.12	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68	0.53	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58	0.57	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.39	+0.06

Drawdowns

IQDF vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQDF drawdown since its inception was -39.83%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQDF and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQDF	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.83%	-35.97%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.03%	-11.27%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-13.58%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.34%	-29.44%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.83%	-35.97%	-3.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-0.99%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.34%	-8.22%	-1.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.88%	-0.30%

Volatility

IQDF vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 5.63% and 5.60%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQDF	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.63%	5.60%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.23%	13.00%	-0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.44%	15.21%	-0.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.49%	16.05%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	17.16%	-0.53%

IQDF vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQDF has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQDF vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

IQDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.77%, more than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund	2.77%	3.27%	6.72%	6.06%	5.59%	4.13%	3.31%	4.46%	5.78%	3.89%	3.75%	4.27%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQDF and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IQDF and VXUS 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 VXUS?

IQDF has higher volatility (5.63%) compared to VXUS (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQDF dropped -39.83% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, IQDF or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 9.76% vs 9.66% for IQDF. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQDF or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 9.76% return vs 9.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQDF or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IQDF.

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

IQDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 2.66% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between IQDF and VXUS?

IQDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. IQDF tracks Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IQDF and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 2.12), 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.