VFQY vs. VFMV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFQY (Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF) and VFMV (Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFQY returned 8.39%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for VFMV. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.13% expense ratio.

Performance

VFQY vs. VFMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFQY achieves a 8.55% return, which is significantly higher than VFMV's 7.05% return.

VFQY

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 6.89%
• 1Y: 19.65%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.39%
• 10Y*: —

VFMV

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 7.05%
• 6M: 6.39%
• 1Y: 11.08%
• 3Y*: 14.36%
• 5Y*: 9.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFQY vs. VFMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	8.55%	10.24%	12.93%	22.48%	-15.74%	27.96%	16.97%	25.75%	-8.19%
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	7.05%	10.52%	16.91%	8.86%	-5.73%	20.75%	-0.19%	27.26%	-0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VFQY and VFMV is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.82

The correlation between VFQY and VFMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFQY vs. VFMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFQY	VFMV
Technology	25.8%	25.1%
Financial Services	18.9%	10.6%
Industrials	16.8%	10.1%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	9.2%	9.5%
Healthcare	8.9%	10.1%
Communication Services	2.8%	10.7%
Basic Materials	2.2%	-
Energy	2.2%	3.9%
Real Estate	-	6.4%
Utilities	-	6.7%

Return for Risk

VFQY vs. VFMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFQY

VFQY Risk / Return Rank: 44
VFQY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VFQY Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VFQY Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VFQY Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VFQY Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VFMV

VFMV Risk / Return Rank: 38
VFMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VFMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VFMV Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VFMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VFMV Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

VFQY vs. VFMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). 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.

	VFQY	VFMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.26	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.83	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.22	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	1.85	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.04	7.06	+0.98

VFQY vs. VFMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFQY Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the VFMV Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFQY and VFMV, 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

VFQY vs. VFMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFQY drawdown since its inception was -37.41%, which is greater than VFMV's maximum drawdown of -33.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFQY and VFMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFQY	VFMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.41%	-33.64%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.12%	-6.00%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.67%	-10.35%	-10.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.93%	-15.41%	-10.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-2.37%	+1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-3.62%	-3.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	1.57%	+0.88%

Volatility

VFQY vs. VFMV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) has a higher volatility of 3.79% compared to Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) at 2.50%. This indicates that VFQY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFQY	VFMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	2.50%	+1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	6.44%	+3.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.61%	8.89%	+4.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.36%	11.75%	+6.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	14.22%	+6.62%

VFQY vs. VFMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VFQY and VFMV have an expense ratio of 0.13%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFQY vs. VFMV - Dividend Comparison

VFQY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, less than VFMV's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	1.51%	2.12%	1.46%	2.20%	2.08%	1.31%	2.14%	2.43%	2.29%
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	0.82%	1.17%	1.34%	1.38%	1.43%	0.98%	1.22%	1.34%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFQY and VFMV in my portfolio?

VFQY and VFMV have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFQY or VFMV?

VFQY has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to VFMV (2.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFQY dropped -37.41% vs VFMV's -33.64%.

Which ETF is better, VFQY or VFMV?

On 5-year performance, VFMV leads with 9.37% vs 8.39% for VFQY. Both ETFs have the same 0.13% expense ratio. On volatility, VFMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFQY or VFMV?

Over the 5-year period, VFMV has performed better with a 9.37% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFQY or VFMV?

VFQY and VFMV have the same expense ratio: 0.13% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VFQY or VFMV?

VFMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.82% for VFQY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFQY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.26), 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.