QDIV vs. QDEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QDIV (Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF) and QDEF (FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QDIV is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index, while QDEF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QDIV returned 6.17%/yr vs 12.64%/yr for QDEF. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QDIV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.37%/yr for QDEF.

Performance

QDIV vs. QDEF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QDIV achieves a 8.21% return, which is significantly lower than QDEF's 8.81% return.

QDIV

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.84%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 6M: 7.70%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: 9.81%
• 5Y*: 6.17%
• 10Y*: —

QDEF

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.94%
• YTD: 8.81%
• 6M: 8.87%
• 1Y: 23.31%
• 3Y*: 19.60%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

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

QDIV vs. QDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	8.21%	3.16%	10.62%	5.18%	-0.50%	28.99%	0.03%	29.00%	-12.20%
QDEF FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund	8.81%	17.43%	21.19%	17.48%	-10.94%	26.04%	3.15%	24.90%	-8.13%

Correlation

The correlation between QDIV and QDEF is 0.60, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 18, 2018	0.79

The correlation between QDIV and QDEF shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QDIV vs. QDEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDIV	QDEF
Consumer Defensive	21.9%	7.4%
Industrials	16.5%	6.7%
Healthcare	14.3%	11.4%
Energy	14.1%	4.0%
Basic Materials	8.4%	3.0%
Technology	8.1%	32.8%
Financial Services	6.9%	11.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	7.3%
Communication Services	3.7%	7.7%
Real Estate	-	5.4%
Utilities	-	2.9%

Return for Risk

QDIV vs. QDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDIV

QDIV Risk / Return Rank: 32
QDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
QDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
QDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 30
QDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
QDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

QDEF

QDEF Risk / Return Rank: 73
QDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
QDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
QDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
QDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

QDIV vs. QDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) and FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF). 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.

	QDIV	QDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.44	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	3.46	-1.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.45	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	3.37	-1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.51	14.62	-10.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QDIV vs. QDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the QDEF Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDIV and QDEF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QDIV	QDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	2.44	-1.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.92	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.84	-0.41

Drawdowns

QDIV vs. QDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDIV drawdown since its inception was -41.20%, which is greater than QDEF's maximum drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDIV and QDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDIV	QDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.20%	-35.74%	-5.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.97%	-6.95%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.81%	-14.43%	-2.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.52%	-21.37%	+2.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.96%	-0.47%	-3.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.54%	-3.29%	-2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	1.60%	+1.48%

Volatility

QDIV vs. QDEF - Volatility Comparison

Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) has a higher volatility of 2.61% compared to FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) at 2.31%. This indicates that QDIV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QDEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QDIV	QDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.61%	2.31%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.07%	7.16%	+0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.84%	9.62%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.30%	13.78%	+1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.42%	16.17%	+3.25%

QDIV vs. QDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDIV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than QDEF's 0.37% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDIV vs. QDEF - Dividend Comparison

QDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, more than QDEF's 1.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QDEF FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund	1.59%	1.74%	1.85%	2.21%	2.42%	1.84%	2.50%	3.17%	7.10%	2.70%	2.90%	3.00%
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	3.23%	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 QDIV and QDEF in my portfolio?

QDIV and QDEF have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QDIV or QDEF?

QDIV has higher volatility (2.61%) compared to QDEF (2.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDIV dropped -41.20% vs QDEF's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, QDIV or QDEF?

On 5-year performance, QDEF leads with 12.64% vs 6.17% for QDIV. On fees, QDIV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, QDEF has been the lower-risk option at 2.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDIV or QDEF?

Over the 5-year period, QDEF has performed better with a 12.64% return vs 6.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDIV or QDEF?

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

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

QDIV has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 1.59% for QDEF.

What is the main difference between QDIV and QDEF?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.18), 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.