FEMD vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FEMD (First Eagle Mid Cap Equity ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEMD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

FEMD vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Eagle Mid Cap Equity ETF (FEMD) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

FEMD

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 3.25%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QVAL

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 14.68%
• 6M: 15.27%
• 1Y: 29.65%
• 3Y*: 21.66%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 11.64%

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

FEMD vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FEMD First Eagle Mid Cap Equity ETF	4.76%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	9.25%

Correlation

The correlation between FEMD and QVAL is 0.78, 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 Jan 28, 2026	0.78

Return for Risk

FEMD vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 69
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

FEMD vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Eagle Mid Cap Equity ETF (FEMD) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FEMD	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.49	+0.22

Drawdowns

FEMD vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEMD drawdown since its inception was -11.51%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEMD and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEMD	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.51%	-51.49%	+39.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.04%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
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	-0.06%	-0.78%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.41%	-7.80%	+4.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FEMD	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.10%	14.44%	+5.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.10%	21.63%	-1.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.10%	22.79%	-2.69%

FEMD vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEMD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEMD vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

FEMD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FEMD First Eagle Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.46%	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 FEMD and QVAL in my portfolio?

FEMD and QVAL have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FEMD or QVAL?

On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEMD or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FEMD.

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

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 0.00% for FEMD.

What is the main difference between FEMD and QVAL?

They also come from different issuers: First Eagle and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FEMD and 0.28% for QVAL.