VALQ vs. VFQY

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

VALQ (American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF) and VFQY (Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF) are both Quality Factor funds. VALQ is passively managed, while VFQY is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VALQ returned 8.85%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for VFQY. Their correlation of 0.90 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VALQ charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFQY.

Performance

VALQ vs. VFQY - 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 Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VALQ achieves a 7.41% return, which is significantly lower than VFQY's 14.20% return.

VALQ

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 1.46%
• 6M: 2.65%
• YTD: 7.41%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: 14.02%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.86%

VFQY

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: 2.21%
• 6M: 10.27%
• YTD: 14.20%
• 1Y: 23.29%
• 3Y*: 15.72%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.62%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	$217.95K	$474.87K	$401.20K
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	$948.51K	$988.82K	$1.06M

VALQ vs. VFQY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	7.41%	10.58%	16.71%	13.87%	-7.73%	27.05%	0.64%	24.52%	-7.99%
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	14.20%	10.24%	12.93%	22.48%	-15.74%	27.96%	16.97%	25.75%	-8.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VALQ and VFQY is 0.88, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.90

The correlation between VALQ and VFQY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

VALQ vs. VFQY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VALQ	VFQY
Technology	34.6%	25.8%
Healthcare	14.8%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	13.3%
Consumer Defensive	12.1%	9.2%
Industrials	11.6%	16.8%
Communication Services	6.5%	2.8%
Financial Services	5.5%	18.9%
Energy	1.9%	2.2%
Basic Materials	0.7%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.3%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VALQ vs. VFQY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VALQ

VALQ Risk / Return Rank: 62
VALQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VALQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VALQ Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VALQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VALQ Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VFQY

VFQY Risk / Return Rank: 74
VFQY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VFQY Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VFQY Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VFQY Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VFQY Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VALQ vs. VFQY - 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 Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY). 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.

	VALQ	VFQY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.75	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.53	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.30	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.25	2.57	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.47	9.69	-3.21

VALQ vs. VFQY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VALQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the VFQY Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VALQ and VFQY, 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

VALQ vs. VFQY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VALQ drawdown since its inception was -38.19%, roughly equal to the maximum VFQY drawdown of -37.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VALQ and VFQY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VALQ	VFQY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.19%	-37.41%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-9.12%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.62%	-20.67%	+5.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.19%	-25.93%	+5.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	0.00%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-6.57%	+1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	2.41%	+0.32%

Volatility

VALQ vs. VFQY - Volatility Comparison

American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) and Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) have volatilities of 3.08% and 3.12%, 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

	VALQ	VFQY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.08%	3.12%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.04%	9.58%	-1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.16%	13.37%	-2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.48%	18.29%	-3.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.55%	20.73%	-3.18%

VALQ vs. VFQY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VALQ has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VFQY's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

VALQ vs. VFQY - Dividend Comparison

VALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.78%, more than VFQY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	1.78%	1.88%	1.58%	1.76%	2.71%	1.58%	2.08%	2.31%	2.35%
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	1.03%	1.17%	1.34%	1.38%	1.43%	0.98%	1.22%	1.34%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VALQ and VFQY in my portfolio?

VALQ and VFQY have a correlation of 0.88, 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 VFQY?

VFQY has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to VALQ (3.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VALQ dropped -38.19% vs VFQY's -37.41%.

Which ETF is better, VALQ or VFQY?

On 5-year performance, VFQY leads with 9.15% vs 8.85% for VALQ. On fees, VFQY is cheaper at 0.13% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VALQ or VFQY?

Over the 5-year period, VFQY has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VALQ or VFQY?

VFQY is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for VALQ.

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

VALQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.78%, compared with 1.03% for VFQY.

What is the main difference between VALQ and VFQY?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for VALQ and 0.13% for VFQY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFQY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.59), 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.