IVAL vs VTI
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. IVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $222M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.28% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
IVAL vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVAL returned +29.09% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, IVAL is up 19.28% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, IVAL compounded at +20.62% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +5.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.3% 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 -49.2% for IVAL and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVAL 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, IVAL currently yields 2.60% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
IVAL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2837 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, IVAL or VTI?
IVAL has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVAL or VTI?
Over the past year IVAL returned +29.09% vs +22.35% for VTI, so IVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVAL annualized +5.61% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVAL or VTI?
IVAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: IVAL -49.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both IVAL and VTI?
IVAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVAL and VTI?
IVAL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVAL or VTI?
IVAL yields 2.60% while VTI yields 1.07%, so IVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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