IMOM vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IMOM returned 7.94%/yr vs 18.45%/yr for XAR. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

IMOM vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IMOM having a 16.29% return and XAR slightly lower at 16.10%. Over the past 10 years, IMOM has underperformed XAR with an annualized return of 7.94%, while XAR has yielded a comparatively higher 18.45% annualized return.

IMOM

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: -0.87%
• YTD: 16.29%
• 6M: 18.55%
• 1Y: 39.37%
• 3Y*: 23.40%
• 5Y*: 8.18%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 7.38%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

IMOM vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	16.29%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	34.83%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-4.58%	33.00%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and XAR 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	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.47

The correlation between IMOM and XAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. XAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	XAR
Industrials	31.2%	99.1%
Technology	18.7%	0.8%
Basic Materials	14.5%	-
Utilities	10.7%	-
Energy	10.3%	-
Communication Services	6.3%	-
Financial Services	4.2%	-
Real Estate	4.2%	-
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 65
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.50	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.20	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.25	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.52	2.43	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.23	6.81	+3.42

IMOM vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM and XAR, 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. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, roughly equal to the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-46.37%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-17.22%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	-19.73%	+2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	-32.40%	-6.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	-46.37%	+0.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.90%	-4.32%	+0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.15%	-6.78%	-7.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.84%	6.13%	-2.29%

Volatility

IMOM vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is 8.31%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that IMOM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMOM	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.31%	11.46%	-3.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.95%	23.56%	-5.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.49%	27.85%	-7.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.04%	23.66%	-3.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.30%	24.74%	-4.44%

IMOM vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.17%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.17%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and XAR in my portfolio?

IMOM and XAR 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 XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to IMOM (8.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or XAR?

On 10-year performance, XAR leads with 18.45% vs 7.94% for IMOM. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 8.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or XAR?

Over the 10-year period, XAR has performed better with a 18.45% return vs 7.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.17%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between IMOM and XAR?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMOM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.50), 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.