IMOM vs. QVAL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. IMOM is passively managed, while QVAL is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMOM returned 7.38%/yr vs 11.91%/yr for QVAL. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

IMOM vs. QVAL - 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 U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with IMOM having a 13.79% return and QVAL slightly higher at 14.09%. Over the past 10 years, IMOM has underperformed QVAL with an annualized return of 7.38%, while QVAL has yielded a comparatively higher 11.91% annualized 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%

QVAL

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 12.60%
• 1Y: 28.74%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 11.91%

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

IMOM vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	13.79%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	34.83%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.09%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-11.80%	34.40%	-5.93%	24.06%	-17.28%	25.59%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and QVAL is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.48

The correlation between IMOM and QVAL shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.57 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IMOM vs. QVAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	QVAL
Industrials	31.2%	14.1%
Technology	18.7%	8.3%
Basic Materials	14.5%	6.0%
Utilities	10.7%	2.0%
Energy	10.3%	16.1%
Communication Services	6.3%	6.0%
Financial Services	4.2%	-
Real Estate	4.2%	2.0%
Healthcare	3.3%	13.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	23.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	9.8%

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. QVAL — 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

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: 87
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.

IMOM vs. QVAL - 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 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.

	IMOM	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.96	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	3.03	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	4.78	-2.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.33	13.37	-4.04

IMOM vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM 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

IMOM vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-51.49%	+5.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-6.04%	-9.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-21.41%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-27.17%	-12.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	-51.49%	+5.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.97%	-2.47%	-3.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-7.76%	-6.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.90%	2.15%	+1.75%

Volatility

IMOM vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) has a higher volatility of 8.35% compared to Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) at 3.95%. This indicates that IMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QVAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.35%	3.95%	+4.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	10.21%	+8.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.70%	14.71%	+5.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.07%	21.64%	-1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.28%	22.78%	-2.50%

IMOM vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than QVAL's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
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 IMOM and QVAL in my portfolio?

IMOM and QVAL have a correlation of 0.46, 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 QVAL?

IMOM has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to QVAL (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or QVAL?

On 10-year performance, QVAL leads with 11.91% vs 7.38% for IMOM. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, QVAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or QVAL?

Over the 10-year period, QVAL has performed better with a 11.91% return vs 7.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 1.16% for QVAL.

What is the main difference between IMOM and QVAL?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while QVAL is Mid Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 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.