QDF vs. EFAV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

QDF (FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund) and EFAV (iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while EFAV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QDF returned 11.84%/yr vs 6.24%/yr for EFAV. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QDF charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for EFAV.

Performance

QDF vs. EFAV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QDF achieves a 12.15% return, which is significantly higher than EFAV's 7.06% return. Over the past 10 years, QDF has outperformed EFAV with an annualized return of 11.84%, while EFAV has yielded a comparatively lower 6.24% annualized return.

QDF

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 0.78%
• 6M: 10.01%
• YTD: 12.15%
• 1Y: 22.84%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 11.96%
• 10Y*: 11.84%
• ALL TIME*: 12.65%

EFAV

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.71%
• 6M: 5.68%
• YTD: 7.06%
• 1Y: 13.00%
• 3Y*: 13.16%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 6.24%
• ALL TIME*: 7.11%

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

QDF vs. EFAV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	12.15%	16.58%	16.95%	19.71%	-12.13%	26.65%	4.86%	25.71%	-7.97%	17.42%
EFAV iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF	7.06%	26.00%	5.30%	12.52%	-15.11%	7.20%	-0.06%	16.67%	-5.74%	22.24%

Correlation

The correlation between QDF and EFAV is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2012	0.67

The correlation between QDF and EFAV shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QDF vs. EFAV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDF	EFAV
Technology	37.6%	4.5%
Financial Services	14.6%	19.9%
Industrials	10.2%	15.5%
Healthcare	8.8%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	5.0%
Communication Services	5.9%	8.9%
Real Estate	5.5%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	12.2%
Basic Materials	1.5%	1.6%
Energy	0.9%	8.1%
Utilities	0.7%	8.8%

Return for Risk

QDF vs. EFAV — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDF

QDF Risk / Return Rank: 80
QDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
QDF Omega Ratio Rank: 79
QDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QDF Martin Ratio Rank: 85

EFAV

EFAV Risk / Return Rank: 45
EFAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
EFAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
EFAV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
EFAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EFAV Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

QDF vs. EFAV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV). 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.

	QDF	EFAV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.23	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	1.78	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.22	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	1.96	+0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.45	4.55	+7.90

QDF vs. EFAV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDF Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is higher than the EFAV Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDF and EFAV, 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

QDF vs. EFAV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDF drawdown since its inception was -36.67%, which is greater than EFAV's maximum drawdown of -27.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDF and EFAV.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDF	EFAV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.67%	-27.56%	-9.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-6.66%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.01%	-8.75%	-9.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.06%	-27.46%	+5.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.67%	-27.56%	-9.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-2.67%	+1.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.62%	-4.77%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.84%	2.86%	-1.02%

Volatility

QDF vs. EFAV - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) has a higher volatility of 2.99% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) at 2.68%. This indicates that QDF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EFAV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDF	EFAV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	2.68%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	8.75%	+0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.09%	10.65%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.63%	11.84%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.37%	13.02%	+4.35%

QDF vs. EFAV - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDF has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than EFAV's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDF vs. EFAV - Dividend Comparison

QDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than EFAV's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFAV iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF	3.15%	3.20%	3.24%	3.08%	2.53%	2.47%	1.33%	4.19%	3.34%	2.45%	3.94%	2.49%
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	1.50%	1.65%	1.93%	2.19%	2.45%	1.90%	2.38%	3.05%	4.29%	2.70%	3.07%	3.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDF and EFAV in my portfolio?

QDF and EFAV have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QDF or EFAV?

QDF has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to EFAV (2.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDF dropped -36.67% vs EFAV's -27.56%.

Which ETF is better, QDF or EFAV?

On 10-year performance, QDF leads with 11.84% vs 6.24% for EFAV. On fees, EFAV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, EFAV has been the lower-risk option at 2.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDF or EFAV?

Over the 10-year period, QDF has performed better with a 11.84% return vs 6.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDF or EFAV?

EFAV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.37% for QDF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QDF or EFAV?

EFAV has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 1.50% for QDF.

What is the main difference between QDF and EFAV?

QDF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while EFAV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. QDF tracks Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while EFAV tracks MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) Index. They also come from different issuers: FlexShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for QDF and 0.20% for EFAV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.23), 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.