CVAR vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CVAR (Cultivar ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CVAR returned 7.92%/yr vs 20.50%/yr for QVAL. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CVAR charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

CVAR vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cultivar ETF (CVAR) 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, CVAR achieves a -1.03% return, which is significantly lower than QVAL's 14.07% return.

CVAR

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -2.06%
• YTD: -1.03%
• 6M: -1.81%
• 1Y: 9.67%
• 3Y*: 7.92%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QVAL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 14.07%
• 6M: 12.19%
• 1Y: 29.20%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 12.32%
• 10Y*: 11.91%

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

CVAR vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CVAR Cultivar ETF	-1.03%	14.95%	3.12%	11.74%	-5.03%	0.70%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.07%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-11.80%	3.33%

Correlation

The correlation between CVAR and QVAL 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2021	0.79

The correlation between CVAR and QVAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CVAR vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CVAR

CVAR Risk / Return Rank: 23
CVAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
CVAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
CVAR Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CVAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
CVAR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 70
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
QVAL 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.

CVAR vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cultivar ETF (CVAR) 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.

	CVAR	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.99	-1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	3.07	-1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.34	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	4.86	-3.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.60	13.62	-11.02

CVAR vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CVAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CVAR 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

CVAR vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CVAR drawdown since its inception was -19.39%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CVAR and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CVAR	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.39%	-51.49%	+32.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-6.04%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-21.41%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.17%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.76%	-2.48%	-5.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-7.77%	+2.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.72%	2.15%	+1.57%

Volatility

CVAR vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cultivar ETF (CVAR) is 3.41%, while Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) has a volatility of 3.99%. This indicates that CVAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QVAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CVAR	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	3.99%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.76%	10.21%	-2.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.68%	14.74%	-3.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.44%	21.64%	-6.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.44%	22.80%	-7.36%

CVAR vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CVAR has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

CVAR vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

CVAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.54%, more than QVAL's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CVAR Cultivar ETF	1.54%	1.53%	3.57%	1.41%	5.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.16%	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 CVAR and QVAL in my portfolio?

CVAR and QVAL 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, CVAR or QVAL?

QVAL has higher volatility (3.99%) compared to CVAR (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CVAR dropped -19.39% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, CVAR or QVAL?

On 3-year performance, QVAL leads with 20.50% vs 7.92% for CVAR. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, CVAR has been the lower-risk option at 3.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CVAR or QVAL?

Over the 3-year period, QVAL has performed better with a 20.50% return vs 7.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CVAR or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for CVAR.

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

CVAR has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 1.16% for QVAL.

What is the main difference between CVAR and QVAL?

They also come from different issuers: Cultivar and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for CVAR and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 0.83), 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.