IMTM vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMTM (iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMTM is a Momentum fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Momentum Index, 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, IMTM returned 10.18%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IMTM charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

IMTM vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) 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, IMTM achieves a 11.09% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 13.11% return. Over the past 10 years, IMTM has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 10.18%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.72% annualized return.

IMTM

• 1D: -3.05%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 10.38%
• 1Y: 24.50%
• 3Y*: 21.49%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 10.18%

VEA

• 1D: -3.07%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 13.11%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 30.28%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

IMTM vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMTM iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF	11.09%	34.50%	12.17%	13.89%	-16.81%	3.50%	22.17%	24.52%	-14.31%	25.46%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	13.11%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IMTM and VEA is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2015	0.84

The correlation between IMTM and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMTM vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMTM	VEA
Financial Services	28.6%	22.3%
Technology	15.6%	16.6%
Industrials	15.5%	17.5%
Energy	10.0%	4.7%
Basic Materials	9.7%	7.5%
Healthcare	8.9%	7.6%
Utilities	5.3%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	7.4%
Communication Services	1.5%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.1%	2.5%

Return for Risk

IMTM vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMTM

IMTM Risk / Return Rank: 41
IMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
IMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
IMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 40
IMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
IMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 55
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

IMTM vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) 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.

	IMTM	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.81	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	2.48	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.33	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	2.62	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.58	10.06	-2.48

IMTM vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMTM Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMTM 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

IMTM vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMTM drawdown since its inception was -32.66%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMTM and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMTM	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.66%	-60.68%	+28.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.85%	-11.63%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.85%	-13.45%	+0.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.66%	-29.71%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.66%	-35.73%	+3.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.05%	-3.07%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.42%	-13.26%	+5.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	3.02%	+0.22%

Volatility

IMTM vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 7.39% and 7.09%, 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

	IMTM	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.39%	7.09%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.35%	14.74%	+1.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.19%	16.79%	+1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.85%	16.76%	+1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.62%	17.21%	+0.41%

IMTM vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMTM has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMTM vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

IMTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than VEA's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMTM iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF	4.41%	4.70%	2.93%	2.29%	2.68%	2.51%	0.97%	2.13%	2.36%	1.92%	2.75%	1.56%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.58%	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 IMTM and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IMTM and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IMTM or VEA?

IMTM has higher volatility (7.39%) compared to VEA (7.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMTM dropped -32.66% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, IMTM or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.72% vs 10.18% for IMTM. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 7.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMTM or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.72% return vs 10.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMTM or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IMTM.

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

IMTM has the higher dividend yield at 4.41%, compared with 2.58% for VEA.

What is the main difference between IMTM and VEA?

IMTM is categorized as Momentum, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. IMTM tracks MSCI World ex USA Momentum Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IMTM and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.35), 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.