FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund

Frequently Asked Questions About QDEF

What does QDEF invest in?

Designed for investors prioritizing a cautious strategy within the realm of high-quality U.S. companies, this fund aims to mirror the overall financial returns—including both capital appreciation and income generation—of the underlying Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index. This goal is measured before any management fees or operating expenses are deducted.

What is the expense ratio of QDEF?

FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) charges an expense ratio of 0.40%. This is the annual fee deducted from fund assets to cover management and operations.

How big is QDEF?

FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) manages $543.5M in total assets. AUM determines bid-ask liquidity and the fund's vulnerability to closure — funds below ~$50M are at higher risk of liquidation.

Is QDEF actively managed or an index fund?

QDEF's management style is described in the fund's prospectus. See the description on the Summary tab for the published strategy.

When was QDEF launched?

FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) launched in December 2012 and is managed by FlexShares.

How has QDEF performed?

QDEF's total return — price change plus reinvested distributions — is charted at the top of this page. Switch the price chart to Total Return and pick a 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year window to read the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over each horizon.