QLV vs SCHD
QLV vs SCHD
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLV offers more diversification with 113 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $163M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.97% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.44% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.88% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.32% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QLV vs SCHD Performance
FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QLV returned +17.44% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QLV is up 11.97% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, QLV compounded at +15.88% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.32% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QLV has the edge at +11.59% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -34.0% for QLV and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLV charges 0.08% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLV currently yields 1.57% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QLV and SCHD share 14 holdings out of 199 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLV | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 2.19% | 4.15% | 1.96% |
| MRK | 1.22% | 4.32% | 3.10% |
| KO | 1.21% | 4.08% | 2.87% |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QLV shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLV or SCHD?
QLV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLV or SCHD?
Over the past year QLV returned +17.44% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QLV annualized +11.59% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLV or SCHD?
QLV has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QLV -34.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QLV and SCHD?
QLV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLV and SCHD?
QLV and SCHD share 14 common holdings with a 11.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLV or SCHD?
QLV yields 1.57% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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