VMOT vs. DBMF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMOT (Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF) and DBMF (iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VMOT is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index, while DBMF is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by iM Global Partners. VMOT is passively managed, while DBMF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VMOT returned 6.54%/yr vs 7.97%/yr for DBMF. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VMOT charges 1.75%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBMF.

Performance

VMOT vs. DBMF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMOT achieves a 13.98% return, which is significantly higher than DBMF's 9.37% return.

VMOT

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 13.98%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.85%
• 3Y*: 18.21%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: —

DBMF

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 9.37%
• 6M: 8.47%
• 1Y: 26.10%
• 3Y*: 8.78%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

VMOT vs. DBMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	13.98%	18.54%	12.07%	-0.74%	-7.00%	3.52%	4.69%	2.28%
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	9.37%	13.85%	7.24%	-8.94%	21.61%	11.49%	1.80%	10.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VMOT and DBMF is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2019	0.31

The correlation between VMOT and DBMF shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (5 years) to 0.45 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VMOT vs. DBMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMOT

VMOT Risk / Return Rank: 61
VMOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VMOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VMOT Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VMOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VMOT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

DBMF

DBMF Risk / Return Rank: 74
DBMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DBMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DBMF Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DBMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DBMF 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.

VMOT vs. DBMF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). 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.

	VMOT	DBMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.10	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.77	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.44	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	4.30	-1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.28	15.28	-4.01

VMOT vs. DBMF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMOT Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the DBMF Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMOT and DBMF, 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

VMOT vs. DBMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMOT drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than DBMF's maximum drawdown of -20.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMOT and DBMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMOT	DBMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-20.39%	-14.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-6.10%	-4.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-15.60%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	-20.39%	-3.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.36%	-2.71%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.25%	-6.55%	-6.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	1.71%	+0.94%

Volatility

VMOT vs. DBMF - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) has a higher volatility of 5.92% compared to iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) at 3.11%. This indicates that VMOT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBMF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMOT	DBMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.92%	3.11%	+2.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	10.14%	+3.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	12.47%	+3.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.80%	12.53%	+3.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.96%	12.41%	+2.55%

VMOT vs. DBMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMOT has a 1.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DBMF's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMOT vs. DBMF - Dividend Comparison

VMOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, less than DBMF's 5.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBMF iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF	5.23%	5.91%	5.75%	2.91%	7.72%	10.38%	0.86%	9.35%	0.00%	0.00%
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	1.80%	2.05%	2.54%	4.13%	2.24%	0.82%	0.00%	1.76%	0.93%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMOT and DBMF in my portfolio?

VMOT and DBMF have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMOT or DBMF?

VMOT has higher volatility (5.92%) compared to DBMF (3.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMOT dropped -34.71% vs DBMF's -20.39%.

Which ETF is better, VMOT or DBMF?

On 5-year performance, DBMF leads with 7.97% vs 6.54% for VMOT. On fees, DBMF is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, DBMF has been the lower-risk option at 3.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMOT or DBMF?

Over the 5-year period, DBMF has performed better with a 7.97% return vs 6.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMOT or DBMF?

DBMF is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.75% for VMOT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VMOT or DBMF?

DBMF has the higher dividend yield at 5.23%, compared with 1.80% for VMOT.

What is the main difference between VMOT and DBMF?

VMOT is categorized as Momentum, while DBMF is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and iM Global Partners. Their fees differ too: 1.75% for VMOT and 0.85% for DBMF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.87), 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.