VALQ vs. ABEQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VALQ (American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF) and ABEQ (Absolute Select Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VALQ is passively managed, while ABEQ is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VALQ returned 8.69%/yr vs 7.06%/yr for ABEQ. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VALQ charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for ABEQ.

Performance

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) and Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VALQ achieves a 5.49% return, which is significantly higher than ABEQ's 3.44% return.

VALQ

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.64%
• YTD: 5.49%
• 6M: 6.17%
• 1Y: 16.17%
• 3Y*: 15.35%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: —

ABEQ

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 3.44%
• 6M: 3.43%
• 1Y: 8.87%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 7.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	5.49%	10.58%	16.71%	13.87%	-7.73%	27.05%	-0.44%
ABEQ Absolute Select Value ETF	3.44%	15.32%	12.68%	4.63%	-1.00%	12.49%	2.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VALQ and ABEQ is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2020	0.78

The correlation between VALQ and ABEQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VALQ	ABEQ
Technology	27.0%	4.4%
Healthcare	16.6%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	16.3%	10.9%
Industrials	12.0%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	-
Communication Services	7.2%	3.0%
Energy	5.3%	10.3%
Financial Services	3.7%	24.8%
Basic Materials	1.6%	17.0%
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

VALQ vs. ABEQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VALQ

VALQ Risk / Return Rank: 41
VALQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VALQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VALQ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VALQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VALQ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

ABEQ

ABEQ Risk / Return Rank: 25
ABEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
ABEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
ABEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 26
ABEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
ABEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) and Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ). 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.

	VALQ	ABEQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.00	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	1.46	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.18	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	1.13	+0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	2.78	+3.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VALQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is higher than the ABEQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VALQ and ABEQ, 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

	VALQ	ABEQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	1.00	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.66	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.56	-0.06

Drawdowns

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VALQ drawdown since its inception was -38.19%, which is greater than ABEQ's maximum drawdown of -27.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VALQ and ABEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VALQ	ABEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.19%	-27.82%	-10.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-7.89%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.62%	-7.95%	-7.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.19%	-17.26%	-2.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-7.43%	+7.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.95%	-4.07%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	3.20%	-0.44%

Volatility

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Volatility Comparison

American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) has a higher volatility of 2.45% compared to Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ) at 1.98%. This indicates that VALQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ABEQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VALQ	ABEQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.45%	1.98%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.97%	6.69%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.13%	8.91%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.48%	10.81%	+3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.66%	13.84%	+3.82%

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VALQ has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than ABEQ's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

VALQ vs. ABEQ - Dividend Comparison

VALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than ABEQ's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ABEQ Absolute Select Value ETF	1.21%	1.25%	1.48%	2.60%	1.20%	0.60%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	1.73%	1.88%	1.58%	1.76%	2.71%	1.58%	2.08%	2.31%	2.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VALQ and ABEQ in my portfolio?

VALQ and ABEQ have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VALQ or ABEQ?

VALQ has higher volatility (2.45%) compared to ABEQ (1.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VALQ dropped -38.19% vs ABEQ's -27.82%.

Which ETF is better, VALQ or ABEQ?

On 5-year performance, VALQ leads with 8.69% vs 7.06% for ABEQ. On fees, VALQ is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, ABEQ has been the lower-risk option at 1.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VALQ or ABEQ?

Over the 5-year period, VALQ has performed better with a 8.69% return vs 7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VALQ or ABEQ?

VALQ is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for ABEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VALQ or ABEQ?

VALQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.21% for ABEQ.

What is the main difference between VALQ and ABEQ?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and Absolute Investment Advisers LLC. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for VALQ and 0.85% for ABEQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VALQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.00), 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.