QMOM vs. VFMO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QMOM (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF) and VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) are both Momentum funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, QMOM returned 10.17%/yr vs 14.02%/yr for VFMO. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QMOM charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMO.

Performance

QMOM vs. VFMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) 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, QMOM achieves a 19.77% return, which is significantly lower than VFMO's 25.84% 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%

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)

QMOM vs. VFMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QMOM Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF	19.77%	2.36%	30.43%	9.50%	-6.99%	-4.06%	61.94%	28.39%	-14.17%
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 QMOM and VFMO is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.90

The correlation between QMOM and VFMO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

QMOM vs. VFMO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QMOM	VFMO
Industrials	25.6%	24.7%
Technology	24.6%	17.5%
Energy	16.0%	7.3%
Basic Materials	15.9%	6.4%
Healthcare	8.0%	22.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.0%	3.4%
Utilities	2.0%	0.2%
Financial Services	1.9%	6.5%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

QMOM vs. VFMO — 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

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.

QMOM vs. VFMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	QMOM	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.99	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	2.59	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.34	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	4.05	-2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.64	15.07	-8.43

QMOM vs. VFMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QMOM Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the VFMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QMOM 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

QMOM vs. VFMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QMOM drawdown since its inception was -39.13%, which is greater than VFMO's maximum drawdown of -36.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QMOM and VFMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	QMOM	VFMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.13%	-36.77%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.65%	-10.98%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.46%	-24.40%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.82%	-25.80%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	-2.31%	-1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-7.73%	-5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	2.95%	+0.65%

Volatility

QMOM vs. VFMO - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) has a higher volatility of 9.55% compared to Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) at 8.33%. This indicates that QMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QMOM	VFMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.55%	8.33%	+1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.17%	17.49%	+3.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.71%	22.34%	+2.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.42%	21.90%	+2.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.62%	23.64%	+2.98%

QMOM vs. VFMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

QMOM has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMO's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

QMOM vs. VFMO - Dividend Comparison

QMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than VFMO's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
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 QMOM and VFMO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QMOM and VFMO 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, QMOM or VFMO?

QMOM has higher volatility (9.55%) compared to VFMO (8.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QMOM dropped -39.13% vs VFMO's -36.77%.

Which ETF is better, QMOM or VFMO?

On 5-year performance, VFMO leads with 14.02% vs 10.17% for QMOM. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFMO has been the lower-risk option at 8.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QMOM or VFMO?

Over the 5-year period, VFMO has performed better with a 14.02% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QMOM or VFMO?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for QMOM.

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

QMOM has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.39% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between QMOM and VFMO?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for QMOM and 0.13% for VFMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 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.