QDF vs. TILT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QDF (FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund) and TILT (FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QDF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while TILT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QDF returned 12.35%/yr vs 14.16%/yr for TILT. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QDF charges 0.37%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for TILT.

Performance

QDF vs. TILT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund (TILT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with QDF having a 9.88% return and TILT slightly lower at 9.45%. Over the past 10 years, QDF has underperformed TILT with an annualized return of 12.35%, while TILT has yielded a comparatively higher 14.16% annualized return.

QDF

• 1D: -1.18%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 9.88%
• 6M: 8.92%
• 1Y: 25.86%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 11.94%
• 10Y*: 12.35%

TILT

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: 8.42%
• 1Y: 25.74%
• 3Y*: 19.88%
• 5Y*: 11.30%
• 10Y*: 14.16%

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

QDF vs. TILT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	9.88%	16.58%	16.95%	19.71%	-12.13%	26.65%	4.86%	25.71%	-7.97%	17.42%
TILT FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund	9.45%	16.59%	19.88%	24.70%	-17.25%	27.61%	16.05%	29.01%	-8.93%	18.33%

Correlation

The correlation between QDF and TILT is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2012	0.94

The correlation between QDF and TILT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

QDF vs. TILT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDF	TILT
Technology	39.5%	30.4%
Financial Services	11.5%	15.3%
Healthcare	9.6%	9.2%
Industrials	9.1%	9.7%
Communication Services	7.2%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	4.3%
Real Estate	5.4%	3.0%
Energy	3.4%	4.3%
Utilities	1.8%	2.2%
Basic Materials	0.4%	2.7%

Return for Risk

QDF vs. TILT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDF

QDF Risk / Return Rank: 72
QDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
QDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QDF Omega Ratio Rank: 71
QDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QDF Martin Ratio Rank: 78

TILT

TILT Risk / Return Rank: 68
TILT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
TILT Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
TILT Omega Ratio Rank: 66
TILT Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
TILT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. TILT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund (TILT). 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	TILT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.04	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.82	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.37	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	3.04	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.15	13.10	+1.05

QDF vs. TILT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the TILT Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDF and TILT, 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. TILT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDF drawdown since its inception was -36.67%, roughly equal to the maximum TILT drawdown of -38.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDF and TILT.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDF	TILT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.67%	-38.46%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.90%	-8.51%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.01%	-19.85%	+1.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.06%	-24.12%	+2.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.67%	-38.46%	+1.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.50%	-1.90%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.63%	-4.22%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.97%	-0.14%

Volatility

QDF vs. TILT - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) and FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund (TILT) have volatilities of 4.23% and 4.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDF	TILT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	4.31%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	9.58%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.04%	12.69%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.66%	17.44%	-1.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	18.75%	-1.35%

QDF vs. TILT - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDF has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is higher than TILT's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDF vs. TILT - Dividend Comparison

QDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, more than TILT's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QDF FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund	1.53%	1.65%	1.93%	2.19%	2.45%	1.90%	2.38%	3.05%	4.29%	2.70%	3.07%	3.04%
TILT FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund	1.10%	1.15%	1.23%	1.44%	1.60%	1.16%	1.49%	1.54%	1.97%	1.55%	1.60%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDF and TILT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, QDF and TILT 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, QDF or TILT?

TILT has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to QDF (4.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDF dropped -36.67% vs TILT's -38.46%.

Which ETF is better, QDF or TILT?

On 10-year performance, TILT leads with 14.16% vs 12.35% for QDF. On fees, TILT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDF or TILT?

Over the 10-year period, TILT has performed better with a 14.16% return vs 12.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDF or TILT?

TILT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.37% for QDF.

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

QDF has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 1.10% for TILT.

What is the main difference between QDF and TILT?

QDF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while TILT is Large Cap Blend Equities. QDF tracks Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, while TILT tracks Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index. Their fees differ too: 0.37% for QDF and 0.25% for TILT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.04), 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.