IMOM vs VTI
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, IMOM or VTI?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IMOM led over 1Y and 3Y, VTI over 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMOM | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $159M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.38% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.34% | +13.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +23.12%Best | +20.00% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.12%Best | +20.95% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.41% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,014 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2015 to Sep 4, 2026 (10.7 years).
IMOM vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.7 years both funds cover.
IMOM vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is an ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMOM returned +23.12% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, IMOM is up 7.34% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, IMOM compounded at +22.12% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.41% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.54% 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 18.0% compared with 15.6% for VTI. 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 -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMOM charges 0.38% per year while VTI 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 2.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 51 holdings in IMOM and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 100.0% and 92.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, IMOM as of Aug 18, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 51 positions we hold weights for in IMOM and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 55 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IMOM and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMOM or VTI?
IMOM has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $35 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IMOM or VTI?
Over the past year IMOM returned +23.12% vs +20.00% for VTI, so IMOM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IMOM annualized +6.84% vs +13.54% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IMOM or VTI?
IMOM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.6% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IMOM -45.7% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both IMOM and VTI?
IMOM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMOM or VTI?
IMOM yields 2.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IMOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than IMOM?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IMOM led over 1Y and 3Y, VTI over 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.