QLC vs. GQGU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QLC (FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index, while GQGU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by GQG Partners. QLC is passively managed, while GQGU is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.14, they often move in opposite directions. QLC charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQGU.

Performance

QLC vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLC achieves a 9.54% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 4.64% return.

QLC

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.10%
• YTD: 9.54%
• 6M: 7.97%
• 1Y: 28.02%
• 3Y*: 24.09%
• 5Y*: 14.77%
• 10Y*: 15.29%

GQGU

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 4.64%
• 6M: 4.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QLC vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	9.54%	14.04%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	4.64%	-1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between QLC and GQGU is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.14

Return for Risk

QLC vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLC

QLC Risk / Return Rank: 77
QLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QLC Omega Ratio Rank: 76
QLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
QLC Martin Ratio Rank: 82

GQGU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

QLC vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

	QLC	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.18	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.39	—	—

Drawdowns

QLC vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLC drawdown since its inception was -35.86%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -8.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLC and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLC	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.86%	-8.41%	-27.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.38%	-6.41%	+4.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.52%	-2.74%	-1.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QLC	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	10.50%	+2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	10.50%	+6.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.45%	10.50%	+7.95%

QLC vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLC has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than GQGU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLC vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

QLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than GQGU's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.97%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	0.95%	0.94%	1.03%	1.26%	1.46%	0.96%	1.40%	1.91%	1.82%	1.29%	1.80%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLC and GQGU in my portfolio?

QLC and GQGU have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QLC or GQGU?

On fees, QLC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLC or GQGU?

QLC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for GQGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QLC or GQGU?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.95% for QLC.

What is the main difference between QLC and GQGU?

QLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GQGU is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and GQG Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QLC and 0.49% for GQGU.