QLV vs. USMV
Compare and contrast key facts about FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF (USMV).
QLV and USMV are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. QLV is a passively managed fund by Northern Trust that tracks the performance of the Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index. It was launched on Jul 15, 2019. USMV is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. It was launched on Oct 18, 2011. Both QLV and USMV are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: QLV or USMV.
Key characteristics
| QLV | USMV | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 5.27% | 3.79% |
| 1Y Return | 15.34% | 12.35% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 7.73% | 5.40% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.68 | 1.41 |
| Daily Std Dev | 8.96% | 8.49% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.71% | -33.10% |
| Current Drawdown | -3.22% | -3.52% |
Correlation
The correlation between QLV and USMV is 0.95, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
QLV vs. USMV - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, QLV achieves a 5.27% return, which is significantly higher than USMV's 3.79% return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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QLV vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison
QLV has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
QLV vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF (USMV). 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.
Dividends
QLV vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison
QLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, less than USMV's 1.81% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QLV FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund | 1.57% | 1.60% | 1.74% | 0.96% | 1.24% | 0.58% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
USMV iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF | 1.81% | 1.82% | 1.62% | 1.26% | 1.81% | 1.88% | 2.12% | 1.77% | 2.22% | 2.02% | 1.88% | 2.18% |
Drawdowns
QLV vs. USMV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QLV drawdown since its inception was -33.71%, roughly equal to the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLV and USMV. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
QLV vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF (USMV) have volatilities of 2.49% and 2.43%, 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.