IMOM vs VOO
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IMOM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMOM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $155M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.86% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.32% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.18% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IMOM vs VOO Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMOM returned +23.32% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, IMOM is up 6.86% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, IMOM compounded at +21.26% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.18% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMOM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -45.7% for IMOM and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMOM charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMOM currently yields 2.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IMOM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 556 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMOM or VOO?
IMOM has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMOM or VOO?
Over the past year IMOM returned +23.32% vs +23.01% for VOO, so IMOM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IMOM annualized +6.84% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMOM or VOO?
IMOM has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IMOM -45.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IMOM and VOO?
IMOM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMOM and VOO?
IMOM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMOM or VOO?
IMOM yields 2.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IMOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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