AAVM vs. PCLG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AAVM (Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF) and PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAVM is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while PCLG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Polen. Both are actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAVM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for PCLG.

Performance

AAVM vs. PCLG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAVM achieves a 17.72% return, which is significantly higher than PCLG's -5.11% return.

AAVM

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

PCLG

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: -5.11%
• 6M: -5.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAVM vs. PCLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	17.72%	4.76%
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-5.11%	-1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between AAVM and PCLG is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

AAVM vs. PCLG — 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

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. PCLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG). 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	PCLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.79	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAVM	PCLG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	-0.51	+0.87

Drawdowns

AAVM vs. PCLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAVM drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than PCLG's maximum drawdown of -23.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAVM and PCLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAVM	PCLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-23.78%	-10.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-9.27%	+9.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.32%	-9.67%	-3.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAVM	PCLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.89%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	17.68%	-2.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.68%	17.68%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.91%	17.68%	-2.77%

AAVM vs. PCLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAVM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than PCLG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAVM vs. PCLG - Dividend Comparison

AAVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.74%, more than PCLG's 0.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	0.04%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAVM and PCLG in my portfolio?

AAVM and PCLG have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAVM or PCLG?

On fees, AAVM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAVM or PCLG?

AAVM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for PCLG.

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

AAVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.74%, compared with 0.04% for PCLG.

What is the main difference between AAVM and PCLG?

AAVM is categorized as Multi-factor, while PCLG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Polen. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AAVM and 0.49% for PCLG.