AAUS vs. MTUM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and MTUM (iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while MTUM is a Momentum fund tracking the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index. AAUS is actively managed, while MTUM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

AAUS vs. MTUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM). 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 MTUM's 31.75% return.

AAUS

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

MTUM

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 15.90%
• YTD: 31.75%
• 6M: 32.38%
• 1Y: 41.76%
• 3Y*: 34.75%
• 5Y*: 15.21%
• 10Y*: 17.31%

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

AAUS vs. MTUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	31.75%	4.67%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and MTUM is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. MTUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MTUM

MTUM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
MTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
MTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
MTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
MTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. MTUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM). 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	MTUM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.20	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.85	+1.06

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. MTUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum MTUM drawdown of -34.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and MTUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	MTUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-34.08%	+24.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.99%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.28%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	0.00%	-0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-6.21%	+4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	MTUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.68%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	19.04%	-6.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	20.60%	-8.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	21.03%	-8.58%

AAUS vs. MTUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AAUS and MTUM have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AAUS vs. MTUM - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than MTUM's 0.60% 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%
MTUM iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF	0.60%	0.91%	0.75%	1.35%	1.80%	0.55%	0.83%	1.48%	1.27%	1.02%	1.43%	1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and MTUM in my portfolio?

AAUS and MTUM have a correlation of 0.83, 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 MTUM?

Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAUS or MTUM?

AAUS and MTUM have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

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

MTUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and MTUM?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while MTUM is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and iShares.