Core Insights - The FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive ETF (QDEF) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 14, 2012, providing broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category [1] - QDEF aims to match the performance of the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index, focusing on high-quality, income-oriented U.S. equity securities [5][6] Fund Management and Performance - Managed by Flexshares, QDEF has accumulated assets of over $445.48 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - The ETF has gained approximately 7.36% year-to-date and 13.87% over the past year, with a trading range between $62.50 and $75.33 in the last 52 weeks [10] Cost Structure - QDEF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.37%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.77% [7] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Information Technology, comprising about 29.5% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Financials [8] - Top holdings include Apple Inc (6.32%), Nvidia Corp, and Microsoft Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 37.02% of total assets [9] Risk Profile - QDEF has a beta of 0.84 and a standard deviation of 13.90% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] Alternatives - While QDEF is a viable option for investors seeking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Blend segment, alternatives such as iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) are also available [11][12]