QMOM vs. IMOM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QMOM (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF) and IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds from Alpha Architect. QMOM is actively managed, while IMOM is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QMOM returned 13.57%/yr vs 7.38%/yr for IMOM. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QMOM charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IMOM.

Performance

QMOM vs. IMOM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QMOM achieves a 19.77% return, which is significantly higher than IMOM's 13.79% return. Over the past 10 years, QMOM has outperformed IMOM with an annualized return of 13.57%, while IMOM has yielded a comparatively lower 7.38% annualized return.

QMOM

• 1D: -2.68%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 19.77%
• 6M: 17.29%
• 1Y: 23.83%
• 3Y*: 21.42%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: 13.57%

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%

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

QMOM vs. IMOM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QMOM Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF	19.77%	2.36%	30.43%	9.50%	-6.99%	-4.06%	61.94%	28.39%	-11.75%	15.92%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	13.79%	47.20%	5.22%	9.15%	-21.92%	-0.75%	28.39%	18.26%	-23.07%	34.83%

Correlation

The correlation between QMOM and IMOM is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.59

The correlation between QMOM and IMOM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

QMOM vs. IMOM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QMOM	IMOM
Industrials	25.6%	31.2%
Technology	24.6%	18.7%
Energy	16.0%	10.3%
Basic Materials	15.9%	14.5%
Healthcare	8.0%	3.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	6.3%
Utilities	2.0%	10.7%
Financial Services	1.9%	4.2%
Real Estate	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

QMOM vs. IMOM — Risk / Return Rank

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

QMOM

QMOM Risk / Return Rank: 33
QMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
QMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
QMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 28
QMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
QMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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

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.

QMOM vs. IMOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM). 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.

	QMOM	IMOM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.76	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	2.40	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.32	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.33	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.64	9.33	-2.69

QMOM vs. IMOM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QMOM Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the IMOM Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QMOM and IMOM, 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

QMOM vs. IMOM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QMOM drawdown since its inception was -39.13%, smaller than the maximum IMOM drawdown of -45.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QMOM and IMOM.

Drawdown Indicators

	QMOM	IMOM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.13%	-45.74%	+6.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.65%	-15.61%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.46%	-17.51%	-8.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.82%	-39.27%	+12.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.13%	-45.74%	+6.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-5.97%	+1.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-14.13%	+1.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	3.90%	-0.30%

Volatility

QMOM vs. IMOM - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) has a higher volatility of 9.55% compared to Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) at 8.35%. This indicates that QMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IMOM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QMOM	IMOM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.55%	8.35%	+1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.17%	18.24%	+2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.71%	20.70%	+4.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.42%	20.07%	+4.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.62%	20.28%	+6.34%

QMOM vs. IMOM - Expense Ratio Comparison

QMOM has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than IMOM's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

QMOM vs. IMOM - Dividend Comparison

QMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than IMOM's 2.22% 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%
QMOM Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF	0.45%	0.54%	1.40%	0.87%	1.59%	0.12%	0.08%	0.01%	0.05%	0.13%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QMOM and IMOM in my portfolio?

QMOM and IMOM have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QMOM or IMOM?

QMOM has higher volatility (9.55%) compared to IMOM (8.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QMOM dropped -39.13% vs IMOM's -45.74%.

Which ETF is better, QMOM or IMOM?

On 10-year performance, QMOM leads with 13.57% vs 7.38% for IMOM. On fees, QMOM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 8.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QMOM or IMOM?

Over the 10-year period, QMOM has performed better with a 13.57% return vs 7.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QMOM or IMOM?

QMOM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IMOM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.45% for QMOM.

What is the main difference between QMOM and IMOM?

Their fees differ too: 0.28% for QMOM and 0.38% for IMOM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMOM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 0.97), 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.