AAUS vs. IVAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and IVAL (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while IVAL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IVAL.

Performance

AAUS vs. IVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than IVAL's 13.29% return.

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IVAL

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 3.49%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 16.64%
• 1Y: 32.20%
• 3Y*: 19.90%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 8.01%

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

AAUS vs. IVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
IVAL Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF	13.29%	10.72%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and IVAL is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.53

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. IVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVAL

IVAL Risk / Return Rank: 61
IVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
IVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
IVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
IVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

AAUS vs. IVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	IVAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.34	+1.56

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. IVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum IVAL drawdown of -46.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and IVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	IVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-46.09%	+36.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.24%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.92%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.01%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.09%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-2.94%	+2.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-12.00%	+10.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.18%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	IVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.82%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.00%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	15.37%	-2.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	17.74%	-5.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	18.84%	-6.39%

AAUS vs. IVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than IVAL's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAUS vs. IVAL - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than IVAL's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IVAL Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF	2.66%	2.75%	3.60%	5.15%	8.00%	3.95%	2.07%	2.51%	2.93%	1.73%	2.02%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and IVAL in my portfolio?

AAUS and IVAL have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or IVAL?

On fees, AAUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAUS or IVAL?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAUS or IVAL?

IVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and IVAL?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while IVAL is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.39% for IVAL.