QVAL vs VYM
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QVAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $582M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +24.64% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.25% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QVAL vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QVAL returned +44.25% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, QVAL is up 24.64% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, QVAL compounded at +19.81% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QVAL has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 14.6% 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 -53.3% for QVAL 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QVAL 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, QVAL currently yields 1.50% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QVAL and VYM share 31 holdings out of 578 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QVAL or VYM?
QVAL 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, QVAL or VYM?
Over the past year QVAL returned +44.25% vs +26.05% for VYM, so QVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QVAL annualized +8.79% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QVAL or VYM?
QVAL has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QVAL -53.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QVAL and VYM?
QVAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QVAL and VYM?
QVAL and VYM share 31 common holdings with a 7.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 578 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QVAL or VYM?
QVAL yields 1.50% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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