GVLU vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GVLU (Gotham 1000 Value 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, GVLU returned 15.80%/yr vs 21.66%/yr for QVAL. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GVLU charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

GVLU vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gotham 1000 Value ETF (GVLU) 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, GVLU achieves a 6.95% return, which is significantly lower than QVAL's 14.68% return.

GVLU

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 6.95%
• 6M: 7.83%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: 15.80%
• 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)

GVLU vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GVLU Gotham 1000 Value ETF	6.95%	11.24%	11.09%	18.02%	-3.80%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.68%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-9.86%

Correlation

The correlation between GVLU and QVAL is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2022	0.92

The correlation between GVLU and QVAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

GVLU vs. QVAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GVLU	QVAL
Consumer Cyclical	16.1%	32.4%
Financial Services	15.9%	-
Technology	14.5%	16.7%
Energy	11.4%	5.5%
Industrials	11.2%	15.0%
Healthcare	10.8%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	10.3%	7.9%
Basic Materials	5.2%	7.6%
Communication Services	3.7%	3.8%
Real Estate	0.5%	2.0%
Utilities	0.4%	-

Return for Risk

GVLU vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVLU

GVLU Risk / Return Rank: 42
GVLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GVLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GVLU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GVLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
GVLU Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

GVLU vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gotham 1000 Value ETF (GVLU) 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.

	GVLU	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	2.07	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	3.21	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.35	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	4.93	-2.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.40	13.98	-6.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GVLU vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVLU Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is lower than the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVLU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GVLU	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	2.07	-0.67
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	0.61	0.49	+0.12

Drawdowns

GVLU vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVLU drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVLU and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVLU	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.82%	-51.49%	+30.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.14%	-6.04%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.82%	-21.41%	+0.59%
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	-1.57%	-0.78%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-7.80%	+3.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.52%	2.13%	+0.39%

Volatility

GVLU vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Gotham 1000 Value ETF (GVLU) is 3.03%, while Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) has a volatility of 4.16%. This indicates that GVLU 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

	GVLU	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.03%	4.16%	-1.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.04%	10.06%	-1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	14.44%	-1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.79%	21.63%	-3.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.79%	22.79%	-5.00%

GVLU vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVLU has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

GVLU vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

GVLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.02%, more than QVAL's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GVLU Gotham 1000 Value ETF	6.02%	6.44%	2.88%	1.62%	0.98%	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 GVLU and QVAL in my portfolio?

GVLU and QVAL have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVLU or QVAL?

QVAL has higher volatility (4.16%) compared to GVLU (3.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVLU dropped -20.82% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, GVLU or QVAL?

On 3-year performance, QVAL leads with 21.66% vs 15.80% for GVLU. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, GVLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GVLU or QVAL?

Over the 3-year period, QVAL has performed better with a 21.66% return vs 15.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVLU or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GVLU.

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

GVLU has the higher dividend yield at 6.02%, compared with 1.46% for QVAL.

What is the main difference between GVLU and QVAL?

They also come from different issuers: Gotham and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for GVLU and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.39), 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.