AAUS vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

AAUS vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). 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 QVAL's 14.68% return.

AAUS

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

QVAL

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 14.68%
• 6M: 15.27%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 21.66%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 11.64%

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

AAUS vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.68%	9.50%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and QVAL is 0.54, 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	0.54

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 69
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). 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	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.49	+1.41

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-51.49%	+42.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.04%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.17%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.78%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-7.80%	+6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	14.44%	-1.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	21.63%	-9.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	22.79%	-10.34%

AAUS vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAUS vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than QVAL's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.46%	1.44%	1.72%	1.76%	2.00%	1.23%	1.86%	1.99%	1.64%	1.08%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and QVAL in my portfolio?

AAUS and QVAL have a correlation of 0.54, 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 QVAL?

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 QVAL?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for QVAL.

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

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and QVAL?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QVAL is Mid Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.28% for QVAL.