IMOM vs. USVM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and USVM (VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds - IMOM tracks the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR) while USVM tracks the Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IMOM returned 6.92%/yr vs 11.31%/yr for USVM. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for USVM.

Performance

IMOM vs. USVM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMOM achieves a 8.67% return, which is significantly lower than USVM's 20.14% return.

IMOM

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -6.55%
• 6M: 0.13%
• YTD: 8.67%
• 1Y: 27.81%
• 3Y*: 20.41%
• 5Y*: 6.92%
• 10Y*: 6.99%

USVM

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.93%
• 6M: 14.65%
• YTD: 20.14%
• 1Y: 30.87%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 11.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

IMOM vs. USVM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	8.67%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	5.04%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	20.14%	10.56%	16.59%	18.90%	-13.23%	24.44%	11.56%	21.65%	-9.39%	2.06%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and USVM is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2017	0.58

The correlation between IMOM and USVM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. USVM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	USVM
Industrials	31.2%	10.6%
Technology	18.7%	8.7%
Basic Materials	14.5%	1.7%
Utilities	10.7%	7.4%
Energy	10.3%	5.1%
Communication Services	6.3%	3.0%
Financial Services	4.2%	25.1%
Real Estate	4.2%	9.6%
Healthcare	3.3%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	12.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.7%

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. USVM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 47
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 49

USVM

USVM Risk / Return Rank: 84
USVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
USVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
USVM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
USVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
USVM Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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. USVM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM). 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	USVM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.09	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	3.06	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.37	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	3.71	-1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.56	13.98	-7.42

IMOM vs. USVM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the USVM Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and USVM, 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. USVM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, which is greater than USVM's maximum drawdown of -42.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and USVM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	USVM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-42.38%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-8.36%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-24.34%	+6.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-25.27%	-14.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.20%	-0.92%	-9.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.09%	-7.81%	-6.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	2.21%	+2.04%

Volatility

IMOM vs. USVM - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) has a higher volatility of 7.71% compared to VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF (USVM) at 3.46%. This indicates that IMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USVM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	USVM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.71%	3.46%	+4.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.60%	10.86%	+7.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.08%	14.83%	+6.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.14%	19.57%	+0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.22%	21.91%	-1.69%

IMOM vs. USVM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than USVM's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. USVM - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than USVM's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.33%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%
USVM VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF	1.83%	1.84%	1.75%	1.63%	1.43%	0.70%	1.21%	1.77%	1.43%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and USVM in my portfolio?

IMOM and USVM have a correlation of 0.56, 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 USVM?

IMOM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to USVM (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs USVM's -42.38%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or USVM?

On 5-year performance, USVM leads with 11.31% vs 6.92% for IMOM. On fees, USVM is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, USVM has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or USVM?

Over the 5-year period, USVM has performed better with a 11.31% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or USVM?

USVM is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.83% for USVM.

What is the main difference between IMOM and USVM?

IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while USVM tracks Nasdaq Victory US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Victory Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.29% for USVM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.33), 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.