SPXE vs. QLC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SPXE (ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF) and QLC (FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SPXE is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Ex-Energy 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 10 years, SPXE returned 15.98%/yr vs 15.29%/yr for QLC. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPXE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QLC.

Performance

SPXE vs. QLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE) 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, SPXE achieves a 7.53% return, which is significantly lower than QLC's 9.54% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SPXE having a 15.98% annualized return and QLC not far behind at 15.29%.

SPXE

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 7.53%
• 6M: 6.26%
• 1Y: 21.75%
• 3Y*: 21.03%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.98%

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%

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

SPXE vs. QLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPXE ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF	7.53%	18.03%	25.72%	27.71%	-20.58%	27.93%	20.62%	32.45%	-5.52%	24.99%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	9.54%	23.26%	26.71%	26.02%	-17.21%	28.46%	13.64%	24.51%	-8.12%	21.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SPXE and QLC is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2015	0.84

The correlation between SPXE and QLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.84 (all time) to 0.98 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPXE vs. QLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPXE	QLC
Technology	39.1%	37.8%
Financial Services	12.1%	13.2%
Communication Services	10.4%	13.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	7.8%
Healthcare	9.0%	9.6%
Industrials	8.1%	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	3.0%
Utilities	2.6%	3.1%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.1%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.0%
Energy	0.0%	2.0%

Return for Risk

SPXE vs. QLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPXE

SPXE Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPXE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SPXE Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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

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.

SPXE vs. QLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE) 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.

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.

	SPXE	QLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.18	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	3.00	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	3.18	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.47	14.39	-4.92

SPXE vs. QLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPXE Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the QLC Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPXE 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.

Drawdowns

SPXE vs. QLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPXE drawdown since its inception was -32.27%, smaller than the maximum QLC drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPXE and QLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPXE	QLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.27%	-35.86%	+3.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.09%	-8.84%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.90%	-18.49%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.50%	-23.81%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.27%	-35.86%	+3.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.21%	-2.38%	-0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.45%	-4.52%	+0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.30%	1.95%	+0.35%

Volatility

SPXE vs. QLC - Volatility Comparison

ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) have volatilities of 4.64% and 4.71%, 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

	SPXE	QLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.64%	4.71%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.32%	10.27%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.94%	12.92%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.01%	16.91%	+0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.43%	18.45%	-1.02%

SPXE vs. QLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPXE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than QLC's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPXE vs. QLC - Dividend Comparison

SPXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, which matches QLC's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPXE ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF	0.95%	0.99%	1.09%	1.29%	1.49%	0.94%	1.16%	1.38%	1.61%	1.65%	1.53%	0.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPXE and QLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SPXE and QLC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SPXE or QLC?

QLC has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to SPXE (4.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPXE dropped -32.27% vs QLC's -35.86%.

Which ETF is better, SPXE or QLC?

On 10-year performance, SPXE leads with 15.98% vs 15.29% for QLC. On fees, SPXE is cheaper at 0.09% 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, SPXE or QLC?

Over the 10-year period, SPXE has performed better with a 15.98% return vs 15.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPXE or QLC?

SPXE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for QLC.

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

SPXE and QLC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.95%.

What is the main difference between SPXE and QLC?

SPXE is categorized as S&P 500, while QLC is Large Cap Blend Equities. SPXE tracks S&P 500 Ex-Energy Index, while QLC tracks Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for SPXE and 0.25% for QLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.69), 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.