QMOM vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QMOM (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QMOM is a Momentum fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. QMOM is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. Over the past year, QMOM returned 23.83% vs 3.85% for VGUS. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. QMOM charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

QMOM vs. VGUS - 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 Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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 VGUS's 1.61% 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%

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QMOM vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QMOM Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF	19.77%	-4.27%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.61%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between QMOM and VGUS is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.13

Return for Risk

QMOM vs. VGUS — 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

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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. VGUS - 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 Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	11.84	-10.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	34.08	-32.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	10.49	-9.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	53.13	-51.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.64	402.18	-395.54

QMOM vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QMOM Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QMOM and VGUS, 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. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QMOM drawdown since its inception was -39.13%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QMOM and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QMOM	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.13%	-0.07%	-39.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.65%	-0.07%	-12.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.27%	0.00%	-4.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-0.00%	-12.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.60%	0.01%	+3.59%

Volatility

QMOM vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) has a higher volatility of 9.55% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.11%. This indicates that QMOM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QMOM	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.55%	0.11%	+9.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.17%	0.18%	+20.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.71%	0.33%	+24.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.42%	0.34%	+24.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.62%	0.34%	+26.28%

QMOM vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QMOM has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

QMOM vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

QMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than VGUS's 3.60% 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%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QMOM and VGUS in my portfolio?

QMOM and VGUS have a correlation of -0.11, 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 VGUS?

QMOM has higher volatility (9.55%) compared to VGUS (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QMOM dropped -39.13% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, QMOM or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, QMOM leads with 23.83% vs 3.85% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QMOM or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, QMOM has performed better with a 23.83% return vs 3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QMOM or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for QMOM.

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

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 0.45% for QMOM.

What is the main difference between QMOM and VGUS?

QMOM is categorized as Momentum, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for QMOM and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.84 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.