IMOM vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMOM returned 7.98%/yr vs 11.09%/yr for VEA. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IMOM vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IMOM achieves a 13.41% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.71% return. Over the past 10 years, IMOM has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 7.98%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 11.09% annualized return.

IMOM

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -6.28%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 6M: 12.45%
• 1Y: 34.41%
• 3Y*: 23.53%
• 5Y*: 7.96%
• 10Y*: 7.98%

VEA

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 6M: 14.32%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

IMOM vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	13.41%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	34.83%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.71%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and VEA is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.76

The correlation between IMOM and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	VEA
Industrials	31.2%	17.5%
Technology	18.7%	16.6%
Basic Materials	14.5%	7.5%
Utilities	10.7%	3.0%
Energy	10.3%	4.7%
Communication Services	6.3%	3.2%
Financial Services	4.2%	22.3%
Real Estate	4.2%	2.5%
Healthcare	3.3%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.5%

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 55
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 57
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.86	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.53	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	2.68	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.76	10.30	-1.53

IMOM vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-60.68%	+14.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-11.63%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-13.45%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-29.71%	-9.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	-35.73%	-10.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.28%	-1.70%	-4.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.12%	-13.25%	-0.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.94%	3.02%	+0.92%

Volatility

IMOM vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) has a higher volatility of 7.77% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.94%. This indicates that IMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	6.94%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.21%	14.77%	+3.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.69%	16.78%	+3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.06%	16.77%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.27%	17.20%	+3.07%

IMOM vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.23%, less than VEA's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.23%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.55%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and VEA in my portfolio?

IMOM and VEA have a correlation of 0.80, 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 VEA?

IMOM has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to VEA (6.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 11.09% vs 7.98% for IMOM. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 11.09% return vs 7.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 2.23% for IMOM.

What is the main difference between IMOM and VEA?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.67), 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.