IMOM vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IMOM returned 23.30%/yr vs 4.70%/yr for BOXX. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

IMOM vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMOM achieves a 13.79% return, which is significantly higher than BOXX's 1.70% return.

IMOM

• 1D: -2.92%
• 1M: -3.30%
• YTD: 13.79%
• 6M: 13.08%
• 1Y: 36.25%
• 3Y*: 23.30%
• 5Y*: 8.09%
• 10Y*: 7.38%

BOXX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.70%
• 6M: 1.82%
• 1Y: 3.98%
• 3Y*: 4.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IMOM vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	13.79%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-1.01%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.70%	4.37%	5.16%	5.04%	0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and BOXX is 0.00, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2022	0.01

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 53
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 56

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

IMOM vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). 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.

	IMOM	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	12.43	-10.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	35.10	-32.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	8.71	-7.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	58.08	-55.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.33	496.82	-487.49

IMOM vs. BOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is lower than the BOXX Sharpe Ratio of 12.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and BOXX, 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

IMOM vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-0.12%	-45.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-0.07%	-15.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-0.12%	-17.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.97%	-0.02%	-5.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-0.00%	-14.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.90%	0.01%	+3.89%

Volatility

IMOM vs. BOXX - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) has a higher volatility of 8.35% compared to Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) at 0.12%. This indicates that IMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.35%	0.12%	+8.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	0.26%	+17.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.70%	0.32%	+20.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.07%	0.37%	+19.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.28%	0.37%	+19.91%

IMOM vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.22%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and BOXX in my portfolio?

IMOM and BOXX have a correlation of 0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMOM or BOXX?

IMOM has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to BOXX (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs BOXX's -0.12%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or BOXX?

On 3-year performance, IMOM leads with 23.30% vs 4.70% for BOXX. On fees, BOXX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, BOXX has been the lower-risk option at 0.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or BOXX?

Over the 3-year period, IMOM has performed better with a 23.30% return vs 4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or BOXX?

BOXX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IMOM or BOXX?

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between IMOM and BOXX?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while BOXX tracks Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.19% for BOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (12.43 vs 1.76), 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.