QVAL vs. DVLU
QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) and DVLU (First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while DVLU is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright Momentum Plus Value Index. QVAL is actively managed, while DVLU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QVAL returned 12.15%/yr vs 12.25%/yr for DVLU. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QVAL charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for DVLU.
Performance
QVAL vs. DVLU - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QVAL achieves a 14.09% return, which is significantly higher than DVLU's 10.79% return.
QVAL
- 1D
- 0.01%
- 1M
- 0.88%
- YTD
- 14.09%
- 6M
- 12.60%
- 1Y
- 28.74%
- 3Y*
- 20.50%
- 5Y*
- 12.15%
- 10Y*
- 11.91%
DVLU
- 1D
- 0.30%
- 1M
- 4.14%
- YTD
- 10.79%
- 6M
- 8.85%
- 1Y
- 36.17%
- 3Y*
- 21.46%
- 5Y*
- 12.25%
- 10Y*
- —
QVAL vs. DVLU - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF | 14.09% | 10.98% | 12.21% | 28.40% | -11.80% | 34.40% | -5.93% | 24.06% | -20.54% |
DVLU First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF | 10.79% | 23.67% | 13.36% | 18.84% | -9.73% | 41.67% | -6.68% | 33.59% | -24.03% |
Correlation
The correlation between QVAL and DVLU is 0.71, 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 | 0.71 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.81 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.84 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2018 | 0.81 |
The correlation between QVAL and DVLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
QVAL vs. DVLU — Risk / Return Rank
QVAL
DVLU
QVAL vs. DVLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) and First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU). 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.
| QVAL | DVLU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.25 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.03 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.38 | -0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.78 | 2.97 | +1.82 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.37 | 10.71 | +2.67 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
QVAL vs. DVLU - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QVAL drawdown since its inception was -51.49%, roughly equal to the maximum DVLU drawdown of -53.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QVAL and DVLU.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| QVAL | DVLU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -51.49% | -53.26% | +1.77% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.04% | -12.24% | +6.20% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -21.41% | -24.86% | +3.45% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -27.17% | -24.86% | -2.31% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -51.49% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.47% | -0.65% | -1.82% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.76% | -8.73% | +0.97% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.15% | 3.39% | -1.24% |
Volatility
QVAL vs. DVLU - Volatility Comparison
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) has a higher volatility of 3.95% compared to First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) at 3.70%. This indicates that QVAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DVLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| QVAL | DVLU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.95% | 3.70% | +0.25% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.21% | 12.34% | -2.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.71% | 16.43% | -1.72% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.64% | 21.39% | +0.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.78% | 25.73% | -2.95% |
QVAL vs. DVLU - Expense Ratio Comparison
QVAL has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than DVLU's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
QVAL vs. DVLU - Dividend Comparison
QVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than DVLU's 0.62% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DVLU First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF | 0.62% | 0.73% | 1.06% | 1.34% | 2.18% | 1.33% | 1.34% | 1.71% | 0.58% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF | 1.16% | 1.44% | 1.72% | 1.76% | 2.00% | 1.23% | 1.86% | 1.99% | 1.64% | 1.08% | 1.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
QVAL and DVLU have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
QVAL has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to DVLU (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QVAL dropped -51.49% vs DVLU's -53.26%.
On 5-year performance, DVLU leads with 12.25% vs 12.15% for QVAL. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DVLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, DVLU has performed better with a 12.25% return vs 12.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for DVLU.
QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.62% for DVLU.
QVAL is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while DVLU is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for QVAL and 0.60% for DVLU.
DVLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.96), 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.
Find the right allocation for QVAL and DVLU
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer