IVAL vs. AAUS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IVAL (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF) and AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVAL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVAL charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AAUS.

Performance

IVAL vs. AAUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVAL achieves a 12.61% return, which is significantly higher than AAUS's 8.96% return.

IVAL

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.68%
• 6M: 8.95%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 1Y: 29.04%
• 3Y*: 17.42%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: 8.00%

AAUS

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.49%
• 6M: 7.13%
• YTD: 8.96%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IVAL vs. AAUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IVAL Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF	12.61%	14.24%
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	8.96%	10.11%

Correlation

The correlation between IVAL and AAUS is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.53

Return for Risk

IVAL vs. AAUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVAL

IVAL Risk / Return Rank: 69
IVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
IVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 61

AAUS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

IVAL vs. AAUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). 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.

	IVAL	AAUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.46	—	—

Drawdowns

IVAL vs. AAUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVAL drawdown since its inception was -46.09%, which is greater than AAUS's maximum drawdown of -9.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVAL and AAUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVAL	AAUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.09%	-9.13%	-36.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.09%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.51%	-1.21%	-2.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.93%	-1.40%	-10.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IVAL	AAUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.76%	12.72%	+3.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.76%	12.72%	+5.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.59%	12.72%	+5.87%

IVAL vs. AAUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVAL has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than AAUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVAL vs. AAUS - Dividend Comparison

IVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.71%, more than AAUS's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IVAL Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF	2.71%	2.75%	3.60%	5.15%	8.00%	3.95%	2.07%	2.51%	2.93%	1.73%	2.02%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVAL and AAUS in my portfolio?

IVAL and AAUS have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IVAL or AAUS?

On fees, AAUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVAL or AAUS?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVAL or AAUS?

IVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between IVAL and AAUS?

IVAL is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AAUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IVAL and 0.15% for AAUS.