QLVD vs. QLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLVD (FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund) and QLC (FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QLVD is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Northern Trust Developed Markets ex US Quality Low Volatility Index, while QLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QLVD returned 5.83%/yr vs 15.29%/yr for QLC. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QLVD charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QLC.

Performance

QLVD vs. QLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLVD achieves a 2.66% return, which is significantly lower than QLC's 11.39% return.

QLVD

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 4.87%
• 1Y: 7.04%
• 3Y*: 11.60%
• 5Y*: 5.83%
• 10Y*: —

QLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 11.39%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 33.09%
• 3Y*: 25.39%
• 5Y*: 15.29%
• 10Y*: 14.83%

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

QLVD vs. QLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QLVD FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	2.66%	24.21%	4.67%	11.57%	-12.09%	9.04%	3.00%	6.35%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	11.39%	23.26%	26.71%	26.02%	-17.21%	28.46%	13.64%	7.54%

Correlation

The correlation between QLVD and QLC is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2019	0.67

The correlation between QLVD and QLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QLVD vs. QLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QLVD	QLC
Financial Services	24.3%	13.8%
Industrials	15.3%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	11.3%	3.2%
Healthcare	10.6%	10.1%
Utilities	7.9%	3.4%
Communication Services	6.7%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	7.9%
Real Estate	5.3%	2.3%
Technology	5.0%	34.8%
Basic Materials	4.3%	2.2%
Energy	3.9%	2.0%

Return for Risk

QLVD vs. QLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLVD

QLVD Risk / Return Rank: 20
QLVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
QLVD Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
QLVD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
QLVD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
QLVD Martin Ratio Rank: 21

QLC

QLC Risk / Return Rank: 81
QLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
QLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
QLC Omega Ratio Rank: 80
QLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
QLC Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

QLVD vs. QLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). 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.

	QLVD	QLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	2.69	-2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	3.71	-2.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.48	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	3.76	-2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	17.59	-15.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QLVD vs. QLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QLVD Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is lower than the QLC Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QLVD and QLC, 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

	QLVD	QLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67	2.69	-2.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.91	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.80	-0.32

Drawdowns

QLVD vs. QLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLVD drawdown since its inception was -28.20%, smaller than the maximum QLC drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLVD and QLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLVD	QLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.20%	-35.86%	+7.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.15%	-8.84%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.24%	-18.49%	+9.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.99%	-23.81%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.19%	-0.74%	-5.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-4.54%	-0.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	1.89%	+0.85%

Volatility

QLVD vs. QLC - Volatility Comparison

FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) have volatilities of 3.02% and 2.94%, 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

	QLVD	QLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	2.94%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	9.51%	-1.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.52%	12.38%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.73%	16.82%	-5.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.97%	18.42%	-4.45%

QLVD vs. QLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLVD has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than QLC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLVD vs. QLC - Dividend Comparison

QLVD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, more than QLC's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	0.88%	0.94%	1.03%	1.26%	1.46%	0.96%	1.40%	1.91%	1.82%	1.29%	1.80%	0.64%
QLVD FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	2.78%	2.87%	3.01%	3.33%	2.47%	3.06%	1.78%	1.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLVD and QLC in my portfolio?

QLVD and QLC have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QLVD or QLC?

QLVD has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to QLC (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QLVD dropped -28.20% vs QLC's -35.86%.

Which ETF is better, QLVD or QLC?

On 5-year performance, QLC leads with 15.29% vs 5.83% for QLVD. On fees, QLC 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, QLVD or QLC?

Over the 5-year period, QLC has performed better with a 15.29% return vs 5.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLVD or QLC?

QLC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for QLVD.

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

QLVD has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 0.88% for QLC.

What is the main difference between QLVD and QLC?

QLVD is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while QLC is Large Cap Blend Equities. QLVD tracks Northern Trust Developed Markets ex US Quality Low Volatility Index, while QLC tracks Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for QLVD and 0.25% for QLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 0.67), 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.