QDF vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QDF (FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QDF returned 12.49%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for SCHD. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QDF charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

QDF vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QDF achieves a 11.19% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 17.24% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with QDF having a 12.49% annualized return and SCHD not far ahead at 12.68%.

QDF

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 11.19%
• 6M: 10.56%
• 1Y: 28.48%
• 3Y*: 19.05%
• 5Y*: 12.35%
• 10Y*: 12.49%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -2.86%
• YTD: 17.24%
• 6M: 16.44%
• 1Y: 24.06%
• 3Y*: 14.45%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

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

QDF vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	11.19%	16.58%	16.95%	19.71%	-12.13%	26.65%	4.86%	25.71%	-7.97%	17.42%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	17.24%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between QDF and SCHD 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	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2012	0.87

Over the past year, the correlation between QDF and SCHD has dropped to 0.50 - well below their long-term average of 0.87, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QDF vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDF	SCHD
Technology	39.5%	19.4%
Financial Services	11.5%	9.1%
Healthcare	9.6%	18.4%
Industrials	9.1%	7.4%
Communication Services	7.2%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	18.5%
Real Estate	5.4%	-
Energy	3.4%	14.6%
Utilities	1.8%	0.0%
Basic Materials	0.4%	1.2%

Return for Risk

QDF vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDF

QDF Risk / Return Rank: 78
QDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
QDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QDF Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
QDF Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 76
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.18	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	3.34	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.39	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.62	5.24	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.61	12.71	+2.90

QDF vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDF and SCHD, 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. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDF drawdown since its inception was -36.67%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDF and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDF	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.67%	-33.37%	-3.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-4.61%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.01%	-16.13%	-1.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.06%	-16.85%	-5.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.67%	-33.37%	-3.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-2.86%	+2.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.64%	-3.31%	-0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.90%	-0.07%

Volatility

QDF vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) has a higher volatility of 4.05% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.58%. This indicates that QDF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDF	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	3.58%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.32%	7.74%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.00%	11.09%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.65%	14.36%	+1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.42%	16.73%	+0.69%

QDF vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDF has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDF vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

QDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, less than SCHD's 3.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	1.51%	1.65%	1.93%	2.19%	2.45%	1.90%	2.38%	3.05%	4.29%	2.70%	3.07%	3.04%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.31%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDF and SCHD in my portfolio?

QDF and SCHD 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 SCHD?

QDF has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to SCHD (3.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDF dropped -36.67% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, QDF or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.68% vs 12.49% for QDF. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDF or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.68% return vs 12.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDF or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.37% for QDF.

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

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.31%, compared with 1.51% for QDF.

What is the main difference between QDF and SCHD?

QDF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. QDF tracks Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: FlexShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for QDF and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.18), 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.