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Upturn AI SWOT - About
FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: QDEF (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 39.98% | Avg. Invested days 86 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  5.0 | ETF Returns Performance  5.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/14/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.85 | 52 Weeks Range 61.32 - 73.80 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 61.32 - 73.80 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index. It focuses on high-quality, dividend-paying stocks with defensive characteristics.
Reputation and Reliability
Northern Trust is a well-established and reputable financial institution known for its asset management and trust services.
Management Expertise
Northern Trust has a team of experienced professionals managing its ETFs, leveraging their expertise in quantitative investing and dividend strategies.
Investment Objective
Goal
The fund aims to provide total return, primarily through current income and secondarily through capital appreciation, by investing in a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying stocks with quality and defensive characteristics.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: QDEF tracks the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index, which selects stocks based on factors such as profitability, management efficiency, and cash flow, while also considering defensive characteristics like low beta and volatility.
Composition The ETF primarily holds dividend-paying stocks across various sectors, with a focus on companies exhibiting strong financial health and lower volatility.
Market Position
Market Share: Data not readily available to estimate precisely QDEF's market share in the defensive dividend ETF category.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 1683000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)
- Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)
- Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)
Competitive Landscape
The defensive dividend ETF industry is highly competitive, with many funds offering exposure to dividend-paying stocks. QDEF's strength lies in its quality and defensive factor selection, but it faces competition from larger, more liquid funds with lower expense ratios like SCHD and VIG. SPHD focuses on a high dividend yield, potentially appealing to income-seeking investors, while QDEF's focus is more on quality and lower volatility. QDEFu2019s competitive disadvantage is a relatively higher expense ratio compared to other large ETFs.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data varies based on the time period. Please refer to official fund literature for specific returns.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index to assess its tracking efficiency.
Expense Ratio: 0.39
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
QDEF's average trading volume reflects moderate liquidity, allowing investors to buy and sell shares without significant price impact.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically tight, indicating relatively low transaction costs for investors.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic conditions, interest rates, and overall market sentiment significantly impact QDEF, with a potential for outperformance during periods of economic uncertainty or market volatility.
Growth Trajectory
QDEF's growth is tied to the increasing investor demand for dividend-paying stocks with defensive characteristics, with potential for further growth through strategic marketing and product development.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
QDEF's competitive edge lies in its focus on selecting high-quality dividend-paying stocks with defensive characteristics, aiming to provide both income and capital preservation. The fund's index methodology incorporates factors like profitability, efficiency, and low volatility. This differentiated approach targets investors seeking downside protection and stable returns. The fund uses a quantitative model to screen the stocks which may provide additional advantage.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
QDEF's volatility is expected to be lower than the overall market due to its defensive characteristics, though it is still subject to market fluctuations.
Market Risk
The ETF is exposed to market risk associated with equity investments, sector-specific risks, and the potential for dividend cuts by underlying companies.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is a risk-averse individual seeking a combination of current income and capital appreciation, with a focus on downside protection during market downturns.
Market Risk
QDEF is best suited for long-term investors and passive index followers who prioritize dividend income and capital preservation over high growth potential.
Summary
The FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) offers a strategy focused on high-quality, dividend-paying stocks with defensive characteristics. It tracks the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index, aiming to provide both current income and capital appreciation. The fund is suitable for risk-averse investors seeking downside protection and stable returns. However, it faces competition from larger and cheaper dividend ETFs. Consider the expense ratio and your specific investment goals before investing.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- FlexShares official website
- Northern Trust official website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances and after consulting with a qualified financial advisor. Market share data may not be precise due to limitations in data availability.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The underlying index is designed to reflect the performance of a selection of companies that, in aggregate, provide exposure to a high quality income-oriented universe of long-only U.S. equity securities, with an emphasis on long-term capital growth and a targeted overall beta that is generally between 0.5 to 1.0 times that of the Northern Trust 1250 Index, a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index of U.S. domiciled large- and mid-capitalization companies.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.