QMOM vs VYM
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Momentum ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QMOM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $447M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.83% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.45% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.26% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.50% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QMOM vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QMOM returned +20.45% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, QMOM is up 12.83% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, QMOM compounded at +20.26% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.50% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QMOM has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QMOM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -39.1% for QMOM and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMOM charges 0.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $4 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QMOM currently yields 0.48% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QMOM and VYM share 18 holdings out of 653 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QMOM or VYM?
QMOM has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QMOM or VYM?
Over the past year QMOM returned +20.45% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QMOM annualized +11.36% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMOM or VYM?
QMOM has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QMOM -39.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QMOM and VYM?
QMOM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QMOM and VYM?
QMOM and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 4.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMOM or VYM?
QMOM yields 0.48% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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