IMOM vs VXUS
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, IMOM or VXUS?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IMOM led over 3Y, VXUS over 1Y, 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 | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $157M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 55 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +5.61% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +18.32% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.65%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.18% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,873 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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 17, 2026 (10.7 years).
IMOM vs VXUS 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 VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is an ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IMOM returned +18.32% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, IMOM is up 5.61% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, IMOM compounded at +21.65% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.18% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +7.78% annualized vs +6.66%.
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 14.8% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMOM charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMOM currently yields 2.33% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 76.1% of IMOM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of IMOM is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
54 positions in common, counted across the 70 positions we hold weights for in IMOM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 55 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IMOM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBVA:MABanco Bilbao Vizcaya Argenta | 2.00% | 0.35% | 1.65% |
| BHP:AUBhp Group Ltd | 2.03% | 0.31% | 1.72% |
| ENR1N:MUSiemens Energy Ag | 2.00% | 0.29% | 1.71% |
| 9983:JPFast Retailing Ltd | 1.97% | 0.20% | 1.77% |
| 8591:JPOrix Corp Common Stock | 2.04% | 0.10% | 1.94% |
| REP:MARepsol Sa Sp/Adr Ordinary Shares | 2.07% | 0.07% | 2.00% |
| BAYN:SGBayer Ag | 2.01% | 0.12% | 1.89% |
| 6752:JPPanasonic Holdings Corp Common Stock | 1.99% | 0.14% | 1.85% |
| RWEG:FFRwe Ag | 2.02% | 0.10% | 1.92% |
| NESTE:FINeste Corporation | 2.06% | 0.03% | 2.03% |
76.1% of IMOM is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMOM or VXUS?
IMOM has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IMOM or VXUS?
Over the past year IMOM returned +18.32% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IMOM annualized +6.66% vs +7.78% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IMOM or VXUS?
IMOM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IMOM -45.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IMOM and VXUS?
IMOM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between IMOM and VXUS?
At least 76.1% of IMOM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 54 positions in common, counted across the 70 positions we hold weights for in IMOM and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMOM or VXUS?
IMOM yields 2.33% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than IMOM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. IMOM led over 3Y, VXUS over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.