PFOE vs. QLC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PFOE (Pathfinder Focused Opportunities ETF) and QLC (FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - PFOE is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Pathfinder, while QLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index. PFOE is actively managed, while QLC is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFOE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QLC.

Performance

PFOE vs. QLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pathfinder Focused Opportunities ETF (PFOE) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFOE achieves a -6.97% return, which is significantly lower than QLC's 12.95% return.

PFOE

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.00%
• 6M: -11.50%
• YTD: -6.97%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QLC

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.10%
• 6M: 10.89%
• YTD: 12.95%
• 1Y: 28.81%
• 3Y*: 24.28%
• 5Y*: 14.94%
• 10Y*: 14.87%

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

PFOE vs. QLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PFOE Pathfinder Focused Opportunities ETF	-6.97%	-1.29%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	12.95%	-0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between PFOE and QLC is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

PFOE vs. QLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFOE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

QLC

QLC Risk / Return Rank: 83
QLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
QLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QLC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
QLC Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

PFOE vs. QLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pathfinder Focused Opportunities ETF (PFOE) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). 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.

	PFOE	QLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.18	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.02	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.39	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.20	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.39	—

Drawdowns

PFOE vs. QLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFOE drawdown since its inception was -18.19%, smaller than the maximum QLC drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFOE and QLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFOE	QLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.19%	-35.86%	+17.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.84%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.49%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.89%	0.00%	-11.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-4.51%	-5.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.96%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PFOE	QLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.31%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.75%	12.96%	+5.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.75%	16.91%	+1.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.75%	18.38%	+0.37%

PFOE vs. QLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFOE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than QLC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFOE vs. QLC - Dividend Comparison

PFOE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than QLC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFOE Pathfinder Focused Opportunities ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	0.92%	0.94%	1.03%	1.26%	1.46%	0.96%	1.40%	1.91%	1.82%	1.29%	1.80%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFOE and QLC in my portfolio?

PFOE and QLC have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PFOE or QLC?

On fees, QLC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFOE or QLC?

QLC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for PFOE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFOE or QLC?

QLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.22% for PFOE.

What is the main difference between PFOE and QLC?

PFOE is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QLC is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Pathfinder and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for PFOE and 0.25% for QLC.