QDF vs. QDIV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

QDF (FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund) and QDIV (Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while QDIV is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QDF returned 11.96%/yr vs 7.69%/yr for QDIV. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QDF charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for QDIV.

Performance

QDF vs. QDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with QDF having a 12.15% return and QDIV slightly higher at 12.29%.

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%

QDIV

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 4.52%
• 6M: 7.40%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 1Y: 15.20%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 7.69%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.77%

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

QDF vs. QDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	12.15%	16.58%	16.95%	19.71%	-12.13%	26.65%	4.86%	25.71%	-11.25%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	12.29%	3.16%	10.62%	5.18%	-0.50%	28.99%	0.03%	29.00%	-12.20%

Correlation

The correlation between QDF and QDIV is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2018	0.79

Over the past year, the correlation between QDF and QDIV has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.79, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QDF vs. QDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDF	QDIV
Technology	37.6%	10.9%
Financial Services	14.6%	20.5%
Industrials	10.2%	15.3%
Healthcare	8.8%	13.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	6.0%
Communication Services	5.9%	3.5%
Real Estate	5.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	22.0%
Basic Materials	1.5%	2.0%
Energy	0.9%	9.3%
Utilities	0.7%	-

Return for Risk

QDF vs. QDIV — 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

QDIV

QDIV Risk / Return Rank: 46
QDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
QDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
QDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
QDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. QDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV). 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	QDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.24	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	1.93	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.22	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	1.91	+0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.45	4.75	+7.70

QDF vs. QDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDF Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is higher than the QDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDF and QDIV, 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. QDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDF drawdown since its inception was -36.67%, smaller than the maximum QDIV drawdown of -41.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDF and QDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDF	QDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.67%	-41.20%	+4.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-7.97%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.01%	-16.81%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.06%	-18.52%	-3.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-0.65%	-0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.62%	-5.49%	+1.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.84%	3.21%	-1.37%

Volatility

QDF vs. QDIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is 2.99%, while Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) has a volatility of 4.56%. This indicates that QDF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDF	QDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.99%	4.56%	-1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	8.67%	+0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.09%	12.29%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.63%	15.27%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.37%	19.36%	-1.99%

QDF vs. QDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QDF vs. QDIV - Dividend Comparison

QDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, less than QDIV's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	2.90%	3.13%	2.88%	3.26%	3.02%	2.44%	3.06%	2.84%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDF and QDIV in my portfolio?

QDF and QDIV have a correlation of 0.46, 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 QDIV?

QDIV has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to QDF (2.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDF dropped -36.67% vs QDIV's -41.20%.

Which ETF is better, QDF or QDIV?

On 5-year performance, QDF leads with 11.96% vs 7.69% for QDIV. On fees, QDIV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, QDF has been the lower-risk option at 2.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDF or QDIV?

Over the 5-year period, QDF has performed better with a 11.96% return vs 7.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDF or QDIV?

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

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

QDIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.90%, compared with 1.50% for QDF.

What is the main difference between QDF and QDIV?

QDF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while QDIV is Dividend. QDF tracks Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while QDIV tracks S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: FlexShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for QDF and 0.20% for QDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.24), 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.