AQEC vs. USMV
AQEC (AQE Core ETF) and USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AQEC is actively managed, while USMV is passively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AQEC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for USMV.
Performance
AQEC vs. USMV - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AQEC achieves a -2.15% return, which is significantly lower than USMV's 3.34% return.
AQEC
- 1D
- -0.67%
- 1M
- 6.52%
- 6M
- -4.15%
- YTD
- -2.15%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
USMV
- 1D
- -0.55%
- 1M
- 2.50%
- 6M
- 3.05%
- YTD
- 3.34%
- 1Y
- 5.52%
- 3Y*
- 10.84%
- 5Y*
- 6.84%
- 10Y*
- 9.44%
AQEC vs. USMV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
AQEC AQE Core ETF | -2.15% | 3.90% |
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF | 3.34% | 0.90% |
Correlation
The correlation between AQEC and USMV is 0.75, 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 Nov 18, 2025 | 0.75 |
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Return for Risk
AQEC vs. USMV — Risk / Return Rank
AQEC
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
USMV
AQEC vs. USMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQE Core ETF (AQEC) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). 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.
| AQEC | USMV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.11 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 0.84 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 2.75 | — |
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Drawdowns
AQEC vs. USMV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AQEC drawdown since its inception was -12.81%, smaller than the maximum USMV drawdown of -33.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQEC and USMV.
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Drawdown Indicators
| AQEC | USMV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -12.81% | -33.10% | +20.29% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -6.46% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -9.36% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -17.93% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -33.10% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.60% | -1.78% | -2.82% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.33% | -2.86% | -2.47% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 1.98% | — |
Volatility
AQEC vs. USMV - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| AQEC | USMV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 3.01% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 6.43% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.27% | 8.53% | +4.74% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.27% | 12.38% | +0.89% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.27% | 14.50% | -1.23% |
AQEC vs. USMV - Expense Ratio Comparison
AQEC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than USMV's 0.15% expense ratio.
Dividends
AQEC vs. USMV - Dividend Comparison
AQEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than USMV's 1.49% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AQEC AQE Core ETF | 0.92% | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF | 1.49% | 1.49% | 1.67% | 1.82% | 1.62% | 1.26% | 1.81% | 1.88% | 2.12% | 1.77% | 2.22% | 2.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
AQEC and USMV have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for AQEC.
USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.92% for AQEC.
They also come from different issuers: Arlington Asset Management and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AQEC and 0.15% for USMV.
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