VFMF vs. VFMO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFMF (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF) and VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VFMF is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VFMO is a Momentum fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFMF returned 14.43%/yr vs 14.02%/yr for VFMO. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VFMF charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMO.

Performance

VFMF vs. VFMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMF achieves a 16.88% return, which is significantly lower than VFMO's 25.84% return.

VFMF

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 2.80%
• YTD: 16.88%
• 6M: 15.26%
• 1Y: 34.79%
• 3Y*: 22.47%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: —

VFMO

• 1D: -2.31%
• 1M: 4.69%
• YTD: 25.84%
• 6M: 22.71%
• 1Y: 44.30%
• 3Y*: 27.88%
• 5Y*: 14.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFMF vs. VFMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF	16.88%	17.38%	15.60%	18.52%	-5.70%	30.05%	4.99%	22.34%	-10.89%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	25.84%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMF and VFMO is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.86

The correlation between VFMF and VFMO shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.89 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VFMF vs. VFMO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFMF	VFMO
Financial Services	24.6%	6.5%
Healthcare	16.9%	22.9%
Consumer Cyclical	13.6%	8.7%
Technology	12.7%	17.5%
Industrials	9.0%	24.7%
Energy	7.3%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	2.5%
Communication Services	5.0%	3.4%
Basic Materials	3.4%	6.4%
Real Estate	0.3%	0.1%
Utilities	0.2%	0.2%

Return for Risk

VFMF vs. VFMO — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMF

VFMF Risk / Return Rank: 86
VFMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VFMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VFMF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VFMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VFMF Martin Ratio Rank: 88

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 67
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VFMF vs. VFMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) and Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO). 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.

	VFMF	VFMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	1.99	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	2.59	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.34	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.94	4.05	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.56	15.07	+3.49

VFMF vs. VFMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMF Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is higher than the VFMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMF and VFMO, 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

VFMF vs. VFMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMF drawdown since its inception was -41.34%, which is greater than VFMO's maximum drawdown of -36.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMF and VFMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMF	VFMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.34%	-36.77%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.08%	-10.98%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.57%	-24.40%	+3.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.57%	-25.80%	+5.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-2.31%	+1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-7.73%	+2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	2.95%	-1.07%

Volatility

VFMF vs. VFMO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) is 3.56%, while Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) has a volatility of 8.33%. This indicates that VFMF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMF	VFMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.56%	8.33%	-4.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.31%	17.49%	-8.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.25%	22.34%	-9.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.06%	21.90%	-3.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	23.64%	-2.53%

VFMF vs. VFMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMF has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMO's 0.13% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFMF vs. VFMO - Dividend Comparison

VFMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, more than VFMO's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF	1.00%	1.54%	1.60%	1.78%	2.21%	1.39%	1.56%	1.61%	1.22%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.39%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMF and VFMO in my portfolio?

VFMF and VFMO have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMF or VFMO?

VFMO has higher volatility (8.33%) compared to VFMF (3.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMF dropped -41.34% vs VFMO's -36.77%.

Which ETF is better, VFMF or VFMO?

On 5-year performance, VFMF leads with 14.43% vs 14.02% for VFMO. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFMF has been the lower-risk option at 3.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFMF or VFMO?

Over the 5-year period, VFMF has performed better with a 14.43% return vs 14.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFMF or VFMO?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for VFMF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VFMF or VFMO?

VFMF has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.39% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between VFMF and VFMO?

VFMF is categorized as Multi-factor, while VFMO is Momentum. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for VFMF and 0.13% for VFMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.99), 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.