IMOM vs. VFMO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) are both Momentum funds. IMOM is passively managed, while VFMO is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IMOM returned 8.09%/yr vs 14.02%/yr for VFMO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMO.

Performance

IMOM vs. VFMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). 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 lower than VFMO's 25.84% 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%

VFMO

• 1D: -2.31%
• 1M: 4.69%
• YTD: 25.84%
• 6M: 22.71%
• 1Y: 44.30%
• 3Y*: 27.88%
• 5Y*: 14.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

IMOM vs. VFMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	13.79%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-22.10%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	25.84%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and VFMO is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.67

The correlation between IMOM and VFMO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. VFMO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	VFMO
Industrials	31.2%	24.7%
Technology	18.7%	17.5%
Basic Materials	14.5%	6.4%
Utilities	10.7%	0.2%
Energy	10.3%	7.3%
Communication Services	6.3%	3.4%
Financial Services	4.2%	6.5%
Real Estate	4.2%	0.1%
Healthcare	3.3%	22.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.5%

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. VFMO — 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

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 67
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. VFMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). 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	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.99	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.59	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	4.05	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.33	15.07	-5.74

IMOM vs. VFMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VFMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and VFMO, 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. VFMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, which is greater than VFMO's maximum drawdown of -36.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and VFMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	VFMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-36.77%	-8.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-10.98%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-24.40%	+6.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-25.80%	-13.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.97%	-2.31%	-3.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-7.73%	-6.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.90%	2.95%	+0.95%

Volatility

IMOM vs. VFMO - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) have volatilities of 8.35% and 8.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	VFMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.35%	8.33%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	17.49%	+0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.70%	22.34%	-1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.07%	21.90%	-1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.28%	23.64%	-3.36%

IMOM vs. VFMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMO's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. VFMO - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than VFMO's 0.39% 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%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.39%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and VFMO in my portfolio?

IMOM and VFMO have a correlation of 0.68, 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 VFMO?

IMOM has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to VFMO (8.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs VFMO's -36.77%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or VFMO?

On 5-year performance, VFMO leads with 14.02% vs 8.09% for IMOM. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or VFMO?

Over the 5-year period, VFMO has performed better with a 14.02% return vs 8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or VFMO?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.39% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between IMOM and VFMO?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.13% for VFMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 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.