AAVM vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AAVM (Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAVM is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, AAVM returned 6.52%/yr vs 12.21%/yr for QVAL. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAVM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

AAVM vs. QVAL - 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 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, AAVM achieves a 14.31% return, which is significantly lower than QVAL's 15.25% return.

AAVM

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: 14.31%
• 6M: 13.03%
• 1Y: 29.70%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 6.52%
• 10Y*: —

QVAL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 15.25%
• 6M: 13.28%
• 1Y: 30.62%
• 3Y*: 20.65%
• 5Y*: 12.21%
• 10Y*: 12.48%

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

AAVM vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	14.31%	18.54%	12.07%	-0.74%	-7.00%	3.52%	4.69%	4.59%	-15.64%	14.98%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	15.25%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-11.80%	34.40%	-5.93%	24.06%	-17.28%	21.05%

Correlation

The correlation between AAVM and QVAL is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2017	0.70

The correlation between AAVM and QVAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

AAVM vs. QVAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AAVM	QVAL
Industrials	25.5%	14.1%
Technology	13.6%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	23.8%
Energy	12.6%	16.1%
Basic Materials	12.2%	6.0%
Healthcare	5.8%	13.9%
Communication Services	5.8%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	9.8%
Utilities	3.8%	2.0%
Financial Services	1.3%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	2.0%

Return for Risk

AAVM vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAVM

AAVM Risk / Return Rank: 66
AAVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AAVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AAVM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
AAVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
AAVM Martin Ratio Rank: 69

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 80
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 69
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. QVAL - 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 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAVM	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.10	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	3.21	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	5.10	-2.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.15	14.23	-3.08

AAVM vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAVM Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAVM and QVAL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AAVM vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAVM drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAVM and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAVM	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-51.49%	+16.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-6.04%	-4.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-21.41%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	-27.17%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-1.47%	-1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.24%	-7.76%	-5.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.16%	+0.51%

Volatility

AAVM vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) has a higher volatility of 5.60% compared to Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) at 3.73%. This indicates that AAVM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QVAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAVM	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.60%	3.73%	+1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.77%	10.21%	+3.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	14.72%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.80%	21.64%	-5.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.96%	22.77%	-7.81%

AAVM vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAVM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAVM vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

AAVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, more than QVAL's 1.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	1.79%	2.05%	2.54%	4.13%	2.24%	0.82%	0.00%	1.76%	0.93%	0.81%	0.00%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.15%	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 AAVM and QVAL in my portfolio?

AAVM and QVAL have a correlation of 0.69, 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 QVAL?

AAVM has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to QVAL (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAVM dropped -34.71% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, AAVM or QVAL?

On 5-year performance, QVAL leads with 12.21% vs 6.52% for AAVM. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, QVAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAVM or QVAL?

Over the 5-year period, QVAL has performed better with a 12.21% return vs 6.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAVM or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AAVM.

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

AAVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.79%, compared with 1.15% for QVAL.

What is the main difference between AAVM and QVAL?

AAVM is categorized as Multi-factor, while QVAL is Mid Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AAVM and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.86), 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.