QVAL vs VOO
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QVAL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $582M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +23.79% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.04% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.52% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.16% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QVAL vs VOO Performance
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QVAL returned +40.04% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, QVAL is up 23.79% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, QVAL compounded at +19.52% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.16% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -53.3% for QVAL 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QVAL charges 0.28% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $3 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QVAL currently yields 1.50% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QVAL and VOO share 36 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QVAL or VOO?
QVAL has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QVAL or VOO?
Over the past year QVAL returned +40.04% vs +21.63% for VOO, so QVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QVAL annualized +8.73% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QVAL or VOO?
QVAL has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QVAL -53.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QVAL and VOO?
QVAL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QVAL and VOO?
QVAL and VOO share 36 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QVAL or VOO?
QVAL yields 1.50% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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