AAVM vs. SMDX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AAVM (Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF) and SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAVM is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while SMDX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Intech. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AAVM returned 29.70% vs 30.60% for SMDX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAVM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMDX.

Performance

AAVM vs. SMDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX). 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 SMDX's 17.33% return.

AAVM

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

SMDX

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 17.33%
• 6M: 14.97%
• 1Y: 30.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAVM vs. SMDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	14.31%	20.58%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	17.33%	14.46%

Correlation

The correlation between AAVM and SMDX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2025	0.76

The correlation between AAVM and SMDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AAVM vs. SMDX — 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

SMDX

SMDX Risk / Return Rank: 69
SMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
SMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. SMDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX). 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	SMDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.85	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	2.72	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	3.55	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.15	12.34	-1.19

AAVM vs. SMDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAVM Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the SMDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAVM and SMDX, 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. SMDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAVM drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than SMDX's maximum drawdown of -14.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAVM and SMDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAVM	SMDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-14.52%	-20.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-8.66%	-2.19%
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	-3.07%	0.00%	-3.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.24%	-2.30%	-10.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.49%	+0.18%

Volatility

AAVM vs. SMDX - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) has a higher volatility of 5.60% compared to Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) at 4.04%. This indicates that AAVM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAVM	SMDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.60%	4.04%	+1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.77%	11.79%	+1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	16.62%	-0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.80%	20.94%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.96%	20.94%	-5.98%

AAVM vs. SMDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAVM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than SMDX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAVM vs. SMDX - Dividend Comparison

AAVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, more than SMDX's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.52%	0.61%	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 SMDX in my portfolio?

AAVM and SMDX have a correlation of 0.77, 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 SMDX?

AAVM has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to SMDX (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAVM dropped -34.71% vs SMDX's -14.52%.

Which ETF is better, AAVM or SMDX?

On 1-year performance, SMDX leads with 30.60% vs 29.70% for AAVM. On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SMDX has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAVM or SMDX?

Over the 1-year period, SMDX has performed better with a 30.60% return vs 29.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAVM or SMDX?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AAVM.

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

AAVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.79%, compared with 0.52% for SMDX.

What is the main difference between AAVM and SMDX?

AAVM is categorized as Multi-factor, while SMDX is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Intech. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AAVM and 0.35% for SMDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.85), 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.