VFVA vs. VFQY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VFVA (Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF) and VFQY (Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VFVA is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VFQY is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFVA returned 9.48%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for VFQY. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.13% expense ratio.

Performance

VFVA vs. VFQY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) 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, VFVA achieves a 9.50% return, which is significantly higher than VFQY's 7.68% return.

VFVA

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 10.40%
• 1Y: 28.50%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 9.48%
• 10Y*: —

VFQY

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.73%
• 1Y: 18.92%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFVA vs. VFQY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	9.50%	14.77%	7.67%	17.37%	-3.96%	36.94%	2.28%	25.42%	-15.61%
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	7.68%	10.24%	12.93%	22.48%	-15.74%	27.96%	16.97%	25.75%	-7.85%

Correlation

The correlation between VFVA and VFQY is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.90

The correlation between VFVA and VFQY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFVA vs. VFQY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFVA	VFQY
Financial Services	25.7%	18.9%
Healthcare	14.9%	8.9%
Technology	14.5%	25.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	13.3%
Industrials	7.6%	16.8%
Energy	7.3%	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	9.2%
Communication Services	6.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	3.3%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VFVA vs. VFQY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFVA

VFVA Risk / Return Rank: 58
VFVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VFVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFVA Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VFVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VFVA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VFQY

VFQY Risk / Return Rank: 41
VFQY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VFQY Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VFQY Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VFQY Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VFQY Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

VFVA vs. VFQY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) 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.

	VFVA	VFQY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.41	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.07	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	2.08	+1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.61	7.71	+2.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFVA vs. VFQY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFVA Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the VFQY Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFVA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VFVA	VFQY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.41	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.46	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.54	-0.11

Drawdowns

VFVA vs. VFQY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFVA drawdown since its inception was -48.58%, which is greater than VFQY's maximum drawdown of -37.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFVA and VFQY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFVA	VFQY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.58%	-37.41%	-11.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.55%	-9.12%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.07%	-20.67%	-3.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.07%	-25.93%	+1.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-0.31%	-1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.31%	-6.69%	-0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.46%	+0.23%

Volatility

VFVA vs. VFQY - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA) has a higher volatility of 3.36% compared to Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) at 2.70%. This indicates that VFVA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFQY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFVA	VFQY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	2.70%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.81%	9.48%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.35%	13.52%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.18%	18.33%	+1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.32%	20.87%	+3.45%

VFVA vs. VFQY - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VFVA and VFQY have an expense ratio of 0.13%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFVA vs. VFQY - Dividend Comparison

VFVA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.95%, more than VFQY's 1.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFQY Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF	1.10%	1.17%	1.34%	1.38%	1.43%	0.98%	1.22%	1.34%	1.31%
VFVA Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF	1.95%	2.13%	2.40%	2.45%	2.21%	1.68%	2.04%	2.08%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFVA and VFQY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, VFVA and VFQY move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VFVA or VFQY?

VFVA has higher volatility (3.36%) compared to VFQY (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFVA dropped -48.58% vs VFQY's -37.41%.

Which ETF is better, VFVA or VFQY?

On 5-year performance, VFVA leads with 9.48% vs 8.37% for VFQY. Both ETFs have the same 0.13% expense ratio. On volatility, VFQY has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFVA or VFQY?

Over the 5-year period, VFVA has performed better with a 9.48% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFVA or VFQY?

VFVA and VFQY have the same expense ratio: 0.13% per year.

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

VFVA has the higher dividend yield at 1.95%, compared with 1.10% for VFQY.

What is the main difference between VFVA and VFQY?

VFVA is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while VFQY is Mid Cap Blend Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFVA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.41), 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.