XSHD vs. QLV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XSHD (Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF) and QLV (FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund) are both Volatility Hedged Equity funds - XSHD tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility High Dividend Index while QLV tracks the Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XSHD returned -4.65%/yr vs 10.02%/yr for QLV. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XSHD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for QLV.

Performance

XSHD vs. QLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) and FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XSHD achieves a 9.24% return, which is significantly higher than QLV's 4.13% return.

XSHD

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 9.24%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 6.83%
• 3Y*: 2.49%
• 5Y*: -4.65%
• 10Y*: —

QLV

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -2.08%
• YTD: 4.13%
• 6M: 3.50%
• 1Y: 12.78%
• 3Y*: 14.34%
• 5Y*: 10.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

XSHD vs. QLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
XSHD Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	9.24%	-6.41%	-5.25%	3.00%	-19.48%	18.31%	-13.55%	6.35%
QLV FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	4.13%	12.28%	18.08%	13.71%	-9.97%	26.08%	9.63%	5.97%

Correlation

The correlation between XSHD and QLV is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 16, 2019	0.63

The correlation between XSHD and QLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSHD vs. QLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSHD	QLV
Real Estate	45.6%	1.7%
Utilities	10.8%	6.1%
Industrials	10.5%	6.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	8.1%
Energy	7.1%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	6.4%
Basic Materials	5.6%	2.3%
Healthcare	2.5%	13.0%
Communication Services	2.0%	8.2%
Financial Services	0.1%	11.8%
Technology	-	31.1%

Return for Risk

XSHD vs. QLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSHD

XSHD Risk / Return Rank: 16
XSHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
XSHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
XSHD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
XSHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
XSHD Martin Ratio Rank: 17

QLV

QLV Risk / Return Rank: 50
QLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
QLV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
QLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
QLV Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

XSHD vs. QLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) and FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV). 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.

	XSHD	QLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	1.69	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	2.42	-1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.30	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.65	2.07	-1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.76	8.63	-6.87

XSHD vs. QLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSHD Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the QLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSHD and QLV, 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

XSHD vs. QLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSHD drawdown since its inception was -49.53%, which is greater than QLV's maximum drawdown of -33.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSHD and QLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSHD	QLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.53%	-33.71%	-15.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-6.19%	-4.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-12.05%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.70%	-17.93%	-16.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.92%	-2.08%	-21.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.40%	-3.98%	-12.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.89%	1.48%	+2.41%

Volatility

XSHD vs. QLV - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) has a higher volatility of 3.90% compared to FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) at 2.05%. This indicates that XSHD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSHD	QLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.90%	2.05%	+1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	5.53%	+4.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.93%	7.66%	+7.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.85%	12.63%	+6.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.20%	16.52%	+5.68%

XSHD vs. QLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

XSHD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than QLV's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

XSHD vs. QLV - Dividend Comparison

XSHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.22%, more than QLV's 1.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
QLV FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	1.60%	1.60%	1.66%	1.60%	1.74%	0.96%	1.24%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XSHD Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	5.22%	6.45%	7.25%	7.62%	6.77%	3.86%	5.55%	4.88%	5.49%	4.11%	0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSHD and QLV in my portfolio?

XSHD and QLV have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSHD or QLV?

XSHD has higher volatility (3.90%) compared to QLV (2.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSHD dropped -49.53% vs QLV's -33.71%.

Which ETF is better, XSHD or QLV?

On 5-year performance, QLV leads with 10.02% vs -4.65% for XSHD. On fees, QLV is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, QLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSHD or QLV?

Over the 5-year period, QLV has performed better with a 10.02% return vs -4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSHD or QLV?

QLV is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for XSHD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XSHD or QLV?

XSHD has the higher dividend yield at 5.22%, compared with 1.60% for QLV.

What is the main difference between XSHD and QLV?

XSHD tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Low Volatility High Dividend Index, while QLV tracks Northern Trust Quality Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for XSHD and 0.22% for QLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 0.46), 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.