IMOM vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMOM returned 7.93%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for FDT. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

IMOM vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMOM achieves a 18.05% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 25.50% return. Over the past 10 years, IMOM has underperformed FDT with an annualized return of 7.93%, while FDT has yielded a comparatively higher 10.91% annualized return.

IMOM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 18.05%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 42.66%
• 3Y*: 25.09%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: 7.93%

FDT

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 25.50%
• 6M: 28.63%
• 1Y: 55.05%
• 3Y*: 30.08%
• 5Y*: 12.55%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

IMOM vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	18.05%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	34.83%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	25.50%	52.21%	6.97%	15.03%	-19.51%	11.43%	4.29%	16.82%	-19.98%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and FDT is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016	0.77

The correlation between IMOM and FDT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. FDT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	FDT
Industrials	33.2%	34.0%
Basic Materials	19.4%	9.6%
Technology	15.8%	8.1%
Utilities	12.4%	5.2%
Real Estate	4.2%	5.3%
Financial Services	4.1%	10.2%
Communication Services	3.9%	2.7%
Healthcare	3.3%	1.4%
Energy	1.9%	9.2%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	11.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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.

	IMOM	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	3.00	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.85	-0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.54	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	4.13	-1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.57	16.12	-4.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IMOM vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 3.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and FDT, 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

	IMOM	FDT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.20	3.00	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.69	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	0.59	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.40	0.00

Drawdowns

IMOM vs. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, roughly equal to the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-46.10%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-13.41%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-14.29%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-33.18%	-6.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	-46.10%	+0.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-1.59%	-0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.18%	-10.78%	-3.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	3.43%	+0.27%

Volatility

IMOM vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is 6.44%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) has a volatility of 7.23%. This indicates that IMOM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	7.23%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.74%	15.91%	+0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.50%	18.42%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.85%	18.23%	+1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.20%	18.52%	+1.68%

IMOM vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, less than FDT's 2.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.84%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.14%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and FDT in my portfolio?

IMOM and FDT have a correlation of 0.82, 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 FDT?

FDT has higher volatility (7.23%) compared to IMOM (6.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or FDT?

On 10-year performance, FDT leads with 10.91% vs 7.93% for IMOM. On fees, IMOM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 6.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or FDT?

Over the 10-year period, FDT has performed better with a 10.91% return vs 7.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or FDT?

IMOM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

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

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 2.14% for IMOM.

What is the main difference between IMOM and FDT?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while FDT is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while FDT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.00 vs 2.20), 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.