VFMO vs. PIE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) and PIE (Invesco DWA Emerging Markets Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds. VFMO is actively managed, while PIE is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFMO returned 13.84%/yr vs 7.01%/yr for PIE. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFMO charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for PIE.

Performance

VFMO vs. PIE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMO achieves a 23.68% return, which is significantly lower than PIE's 39.11% return.

VFMO

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 5.53%
• YTD: 23.68%
• 6M: 23.37%
• 1Y: 43.34%
• 3Y*: 27.93%
• 5Y*: 13.84%
• 10Y*: —

PIE

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 5.39%
• YTD: 39.11%
• 6M: 38.18%
• 1Y: 70.48%
• 3Y*: 23.39%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 10.15%

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

VFMO vs. PIE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	23.68%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%
PIE Invesco DWA Emerging Markets Momentum ETF	39.11%	25.98%	-0.27%	13.71%	-28.77%	14.30%	21.23%	26.11%	-24.92%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMO and PIE is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.59

The correlation between VFMO and PIE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFMO vs. PIE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFMO	PIE
Industrials	24.7%	16.8%
Healthcare	22.9%	5.1%
Technology	17.5%	47.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	1.3%
Energy	7.3%	5.4%
Financial Services	6.5%	14.4%
Basic Materials	6.4%	3.2%
Communication Services	3.4%	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	0.4%
Utilities	0.2%	1.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	3.6%

Return for Risk

VFMO vs. PIE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

PIE

PIE Risk / Return Rank: 90
PIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
PIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
PIE Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
PIE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

VFMO vs. PIE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) and Invesco DWA Emerging Markets Momentum ETF (PIE). 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.

	VFMO	PIE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	3.24	-1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	3.88	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.55	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.96	7.18	-3.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.97	23.52	-8.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFMO vs. PIE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMO Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is lower than the PIE Sharpe Ratio of 3.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMO and PIE, 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

	VFMO	PIE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05	3.24	-1.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64	0.35	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.12	+0.54

Drawdowns

VFMO vs. PIE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMO drawdown since its inception was -36.77%, smaller than the maximum PIE drawdown of -72.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMO and PIE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMO	PIE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.77%	-72.98%	+36.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-9.87%	-1.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.40%	-28.69%	+4.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.80%	-40.32%	+14.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.17%	+1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.77%	-26.08%	+18.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	3.01%	-0.11%

Volatility

VFMO vs. PIE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) is 6.20%, while Invesco DWA Emerging Markets Momentum ETF (PIE) has a volatility of 9.00%. This indicates that VFMO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMO	PIE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.20%	9.00%	-2.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.37%	17.77%	-1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.20%	21.91%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.70%	20.23%	+1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.57%	21.35%	+2.22%

VFMO vs. PIE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMO has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than PIE's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFMO vs. PIE - Dividend Comparison

VFMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, less than PIE's 1.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PIE Invesco DWA Emerging Markets Momentum ETF	1.70%	2.28%	2.33%	2.59%	3.45%	1.28%	1.32%	2.29%	3.32%	1.63%	1.48%	0.80%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.63%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMO and PIE in my portfolio?

VFMO and PIE have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMO or PIE?

PIE has higher volatility (9.00%) compared to VFMO (6.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMO dropped -36.77% vs PIE's -72.98%.

Which ETF is better, VFMO or PIE?

On 5-year performance, VFMO leads with 13.84% vs 7.01% for PIE. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFMO has been the lower-risk option at 6.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFMO or PIE?

Over the 5-year period, VFMO has performed better with a 13.84% return vs 7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFMO or PIE?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for PIE.

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

PIE has the higher dividend yield at 1.70%, compared with 0.63% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between VFMO and PIE?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for VFMO and 0.90% for PIE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.24 vs 2.05), 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.