IQDF vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IQDF (FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQDF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IQDF returned 10.13%/yr vs 11.21%/yr for VYMI. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQDF charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

IQDF vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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 VYMI's 11.38% return. Over the past 10 years, IQDF has underperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 10.13%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively higher 11.21% annualized return.

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%

VYMI

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 11.38%
• 6M: 11.17%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 21.85%
• 5Y*: 12.40%
• 10Y*: 11.21%

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

IQDF vs. VYMI - 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%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.38%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between IQDF and VYMI is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.95

The correlation between IQDF and VYMI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQDF vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQDF	VYMI
Financial Services	28.2%	40.7%
Technology	22.9%	5.2%
Industrials	11.8%	6.2%
Basic Materials	7.4%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	6.7%
Healthcare	4.8%	6.5%
Energy	4.2%	8.6%
Utilities	3.2%	5.0%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.3%

Return for Risk

IQDF vs. VYMI — 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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.30	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	3.14	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.42	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	3.01	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.16	11.81	+1.35

IQDF vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQDF and VYMI, 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. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQDF drawdown since its inception was -39.83%, roughly equal to the maximum VYMI drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQDF and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQDF	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.83%	-40.00%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.03%	-10.14%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-12.84%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.36%	-24.05%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.83%	-40.00%	+0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.67%	-1.97%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-6.28%	-3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	2.58%	+0.05%

Volatility

IQDF vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) has a higher volatility of 6.68% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 4.14%. This indicates that IQDF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQDF	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.68%	4.14%	+2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.52%	11.20%	+2.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.48%	13.27%	+2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.70%	14.87%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	16.61%	-0.10%

IQDF vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQDF has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQDF vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

IQDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, less than VYMI's 3.67% 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%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.67%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQDF and VYMI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IQDF and VYMI 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 VYMI?

IQDF has higher volatility (6.68%) compared to VYMI (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQDF dropped -39.83% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, IQDF or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 11.21% vs 10.13% for IQDF. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQDF or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 11.21% 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 VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IQDF.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.67%, compared with 3.05% for IQDF.

What is the main difference between IQDF and VYMI?

IQDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VYMI is Dividend. IQDF tracks Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IQDF and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 2.24), 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.