VMOT vs. FMTM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMOT (Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF) and FMTM (MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds. VMOT is passively managed, while FMTM is actively managed. Over the past year, VMOT returned 34.59% vs 63.62% for FMTM. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMOT charges 1.75%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FMTM.

Performance

VMOT vs. FMTM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) and MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMOT achieves a 17.28% return, which is significantly lower than FMTM's 31.75% return.

VMOT

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 17.28%
• 6M: 20.07%
• 1Y: 34.59%
• 3Y*: 19.57%
• 5Y*: 6.94%
• 10Y*: —

FMTM

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 6.28%
• YTD: 31.75%
• 6M: 34.74%
• 1Y: 63.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VMOT vs. FMTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	17.28%	21.15%
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	31.75%	27.90%

Correlation

The correlation between VMOT and FMTM 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2025	0.75

The correlation between VMOT and FMTM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMOT vs. FMTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMOT

VMOT Risk / Return Rank: 69
VMOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VMOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VMOT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VMOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VMOT Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FMTM

FMTM Risk / Return Rank: 82
FMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. FMTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) and MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM). 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.

	VMOT	FMTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.80	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	3.43	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.46	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	5.28	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.42	20.62	-7.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMOT vs. FMTM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMOT Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the FMTM Sharpe Ratio of 2.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMOT and FMTM, 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

	VMOT	FMTM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	2.80	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	2.38	-2.03

Drawdowns

VMOT vs. FMTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMOT drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than FMTM's maximum drawdown of -12.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMOT and FMTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMOT	FMTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-12.12%	-22.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-12.12%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	0.00%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.32%	-1.89%	-11.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	3.10%	-0.52%

Volatility

VMOT vs. FMTM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) is 5.00%, while MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) has a volatility of 6.52%. This indicates that VMOT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FMTM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMOT	FMTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	6.52%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.87%	17.83%	-4.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	22.82%	-7.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.68%	22.94%	-7.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.90%	22.94%	-8.04%

VMOT vs. FMTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMOT has a 1.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FMTM's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMOT vs. FMTM - Dividend Comparison

VMOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, more than FMTM's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	0.22%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	1.75%	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 FMTM in my portfolio?

VMOT and FMTM 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, VMOT or FMTM?

FMTM has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to VMOT (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMOT dropped -34.71% vs FMTM's -12.12%.

Which ETF is better, VMOT or FMTM?

On 1-year performance, FMTM leads with 63.62% vs 34.59% for VMOT. On fees, FMTM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, VMOT has been the lower-risk option at 5.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMOT or FMTM?

Over the 1-year period, FMTM has performed better with a 63.62% return vs 34.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMOT or FMTM?

FMTM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.75% for VMOT.

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

VMOT has the higher dividend yield at 1.75%, compared with 0.22% for FMTM.

What is the main difference between VMOT and FMTM?

Their fees differ too: 1.75% for VMOT and 0.45% for FMTM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 2.28), 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.