RECS vs. QWLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RECS (Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF) and QWLD (SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - RECS tracks the Beta Advantage Research Enhanced U.S. Equity Index while QWLD tracks the MSCI World Factor Mix A-Series (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RECS returned 9.89%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for QWLD. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RECS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for QWLD.

Performance

RECS vs. QWLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) and SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD). 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 RECS having a 6.61% return and QWLD slightly lower at 6.55%. Over the past 10 years, RECS has underperformed QWLD with an annualized return of 9.89%, while QWLD has yielded a comparatively higher 11.68% annualized return.

RECS

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 6.61%
• 6M: 6.84%
• 1Y: 25.02%
• 3Y*: 21.66%
• 5Y*: 14.04%
• 10Y*: 9.89%

QWLD

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 2.55%
• YTD: 6.55%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: 17.09%
• 3Y*: 16.35%
• 5Y*: 9.96%
• 10Y*: 11.68%

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

RECS vs. QWLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RECS Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF	6.61%	19.30%	26.27%	23.19%	-14.39%	32.73%	15.35%	-0.93%	0.00%	0.00%
QWLD SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF	6.55%	17.93%	14.44%	19.59%	-13.30%	21.57%	10.24%	27.59%	-7.02%	22.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RECS and QWLD is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2014	0.69

The correlation between RECS and QWLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (all time) to 0.90 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RECS vs. QWLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RECS	QWLD
Technology	33.6%	22.3%
Financial Services	13.2%	13.8%
Communication Services	11.0%	9.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	5.0%
Healthcare	9.9%	12.6%
Industrials	6.7%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	7.6%
Energy	3.4%	4.5%
Real Estate	2.3%	0.8%
Utilities	2.2%	3.7%
Basic Materials	2.1%	2.9%

Return for Risk

RECS vs. QWLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RECS

RECS Risk / Return Rank: 62
RECS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
RECS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
RECS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
RECS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
RECS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QWLD

QWLD Risk / Return Rank: 50
QWLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QWLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
QWLD Omega Ratio Rank: 49
QWLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
QWLD Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

RECS vs. QWLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) and SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD). 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.

	RECS	QWLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.77	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	2.55	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	2.24	+0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.27	9.70	+2.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RECS vs. QWLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RECS Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the QWLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RECS and QWLD, 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

	RECS	QWLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.13	1.77	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.74	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.77	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.69	-0.32

Drawdowns

RECS vs. QWLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RECS drawdown since its inception was -34.29%, which is greater than QWLD's maximum drawdown of -31.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RECS and QWLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RECS	QWLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.29%	-31.89%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-7.66%	-1.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.60%	-12.40%	-6.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.08%	-22.84%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.29%	-31.89%	-2.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-0.56%	-0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.28%	-3.71%	+2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	1.77%	+0.27%

Volatility

RECS vs. QWLD - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) has a higher volatility of 2.97% compared to SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) at 2.26%. This indicates that RECS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QWLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RECS	QWLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	2.26%	+0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.84%	7.51%	+1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.78%	9.68%	+2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	13.53%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.22%	15.18%	+1.04%

RECS vs. QWLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RECS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than QWLD's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

RECS vs. QWLD - Dividend Comparison

RECS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, less than QWLD's 1.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QWLD SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF	1.84%	1.85%	1.74%	1.78%	2.02%	1.77%	1.77%	2.13%	2.33%	2.73%	2.22%	3.42%
RECS Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF	1.04%	1.11%	1.09%	1.00%	1.41%	20.64%	1.09%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RECS and QWLD in my portfolio?

RECS and QWLD have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RECS or QWLD?

RECS has higher volatility (2.97%) compared to QWLD (2.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RECS dropped -34.29% vs QWLD's -31.89%.

Which ETF is better, RECS or QWLD?

On 10-year performance, QWLD leads with 11.68% vs 9.89% for RECS. On fees, RECS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QWLD has been the lower-risk option at 2.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RECS or QWLD?

Over the 10-year period, QWLD has performed better with a 11.68% return vs 9.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RECS or QWLD?

RECS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for QWLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RECS or QWLD?

QWLD has the higher dividend yield at 1.84%, compared with 1.04% for RECS.

What is the main difference between RECS and QWLD?

RECS tracks Beta Advantage Research Enhanced U.S. Equity Index, while QWLD tracks MSCI World Factor Mix A-Series (USD). They also come from different issuers: Ameriprise Financial and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for RECS and 0.30% for QWLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RECS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.77), 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.