AAVM vs. IMOM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AAVM (Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF) and IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAVM is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR). AAVM is actively managed, while IMOM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AAVM returned 7.20%/yr vs 8.44%/yr for IMOM. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAVM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IMOM.

Performance

AAVM vs. IMOM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AAVM having a 17.72% return and IMOM slightly higher at 18.05%.

AAVM

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 17.72%
• 6M: 21.11%
• 1Y: 34.30%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: —

IMOM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 18.05%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 42.66%
• 3Y*: 25.09%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: 7.93%

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

AAVM vs. IMOM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	17.72%	18.54%	12.07%	-0.74%	-7.00%	3.52%	4.69%	4.59%	-15.64%	14.62%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	18.05%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	15.83%

Correlation

The correlation between AAVM and IMOM is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2017	0.74

The correlation between AAVM and IMOM shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (all time) to 0.86 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AAVM vs. IMOM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AAVM	IMOM
Industrials	28.7%	33.2%
Basic Materials	15.4%	19.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.3%	1.7%
Technology	14.4%	15.8%
Energy	6.0%	1.9%
Healthcare	5.8%	3.3%
Utilities	4.3%	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	-
Communication Services	3.4%	3.9%
Real Estate	1.4%	4.2%
Financial Services	1.3%	4.1%

Return for Risk

AAVM vs. IMOM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAVM

AAVM Risk / Return Rank: 68
AAVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
AAVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
AAVM Omega Ratio Rank: 68
AAVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
AAVM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

AAVM vs. IMOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM). 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.

	AAVM	IMOM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.20	+0.06
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	2.94	+0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.40	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	2.75	+0.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.79	11.57	+2.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AAVM vs. IMOM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAVM Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the IMOM Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAVM and IMOM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAVM	IMOM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.20	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.43	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.40	-0.04

Drawdowns

AAVM vs. IMOM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAVM drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, smaller than the maximum IMOM drawdown of -45.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAVM and IMOM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAVM	IMOM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-45.74%	+11.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-15.61%	+4.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-17.51%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	-39.27%	+15.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-2.45%	+2.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.32%	-14.18%	+0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	3.70%	-1.12%

Volatility

AAVM vs. IMOM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) is 5.08%, while Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) has a volatility of 6.44%. This indicates that AAVM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IMOM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAVM	IMOM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	6.44%	-1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.89%	16.74%	-3.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	19.50%	-4.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.68%	19.85%	-4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.91%	20.20%	-5.29%

AAVM vs. IMOM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAVM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than IMOM's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAVM vs. IMOM - Dividend Comparison

AAVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.74%, less than IMOM's 2.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	1.74%	2.05%	2.54%	4.13%	2.24%	0.82%	0.00%	1.76%	0.93%	0.81%	0.00%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.14%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAVM and IMOM in my portfolio?

AAVM and IMOM have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AAVM or IMOM?

IMOM has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to AAVM (5.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAVM dropped -34.71% vs IMOM's -45.74%.

Which ETF is better, AAVM or IMOM?

On 5-year performance, IMOM leads with 8.44% vs 7.20% for AAVM. On fees, IMOM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, AAVM has been the lower-risk option at 5.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAVM or IMOM?

Over the 5-year period, IMOM has performed better with a 8.44% return vs 7.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAVM or IMOM?

IMOM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AAVM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAVM or IMOM?

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.14%, compared with 1.74% for AAVM.

What is the main difference between AAVM and IMOM?

AAVM is categorized as Multi-factor, while IMOM is Momentum. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AAVM and 0.38% for IMOM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.20), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.