SAMM vs. IMOM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SAMM (Strategas Macro Momentum ETF) and IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds. SAMM is actively managed, while IMOM is passively managed. Over the past year, SAMM returned 29.29% vs 42.66% for IMOM. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAMM charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IMOM.

Performance

SAMM vs. IMOM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) 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, SAMM achieves a 11.69% return, which is significantly lower than IMOM's 18.05% return.

SAMM

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 7.55%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 12.00%
• 1Y: 29.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IMOM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 18.05%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 42.66%
• 3Y*: 25.09%
• 5Y*: 8.44%
• 10Y*: 7.93%

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

SAMM vs. IMOM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SAMM Strategas Macro Momentum ETF	11.69%	12.01%	10.47%
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	18.05%	47.20%	-3.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SAMM and IMOM is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2024	0.63

The correlation between SAMM and IMOM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAMM vs. IMOM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAMM	IMOM
Industrials	27.1%	33.2%
Basic Materials	15.0%	19.4%
Healthcare	14.2%	3.3%
Technology	14.0%	15.8%
Energy	10.4%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	1.7%
Financial Services	5.2%	4.1%
Utilities	4.0%	12.4%
Communication Services	3.8%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Real Estate	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

SAMM vs. IMOM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAMM

SAMM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SAMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SAMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
SAMM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SAMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SAMM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

SAMM vs. IMOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) 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.

	SAMM	IMOM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.20	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.94	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.40	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	2.75	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.39	11.57	+0.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SAMM vs. IMOM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAMM Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the IMOM Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAMM 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SAMM	IMOM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	2.20	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.40	+0.47

Drawdowns

SAMM vs. IMOM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAMM drawdown since its inception was -24.09%, smaller than the maximum IMOM drawdown of -45.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAMM and IMOM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAMM	IMOM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.09%	-45.74%	+21.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-15.61%	+7.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.51%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-39.27%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-2.45%	+1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.36%	-14.18%	+9.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	3.70%	-1.33%

Volatility

SAMM vs. IMOM - Volatility Comparison

Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) have volatilities of 6.74% and 6.44%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAMM	IMOM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.74%	6.44%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.74%	16.74%	-4.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.09%	19.50%	-2.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.83%	19.85%	-1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	20.20%	-1.37%

SAMM vs. IMOM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAMM has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than IMOM's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAMM vs. IMOM - Dividend Comparison

SAMM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than IMOM's 2.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.14%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%
SAMM Strategas Macro Momentum ETF	0.92%	1.03%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAMM and IMOM in my portfolio?

SAMM and IMOM have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAMM or IMOM?

SAMM has higher volatility (6.74%) compared to IMOM (6.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAMM dropped -24.09% vs IMOM's -45.74%.

Which ETF is better, SAMM or IMOM?

On 1-year performance, IMOM leads with 42.66% vs 29.29% for SAMM. On fees, IMOM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 6.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAMM or IMOM?

Over the 1-year period, IMOM has performed better with a 42.66% return vs 29.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAMM or IMOM?

IMOM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMM.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.14%, compared with 0.92% for SAMM.

What is the main difference between SAMM and IMOM?

They also come from different issuers: Strategas and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for SAMM and 0.38% for IMOM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMOM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.72), 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.