IMOM ETF Explained: Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF (IMOM) is an actively managed fund that uses a rules-based quantitative approach to hold a concentrated group of high-momentum non-US global stocks. Turnover, stock concentration, the momentum factor cycle, dividends, and fees are the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF?
This is a rules-based quantitative ETF that selects stocks with high relative momentum from among global equities outside the United States. It builds a compact portfolio according to predefined momentum criteria.
It suits investors who want momentum factor exposure in non-US international stocks and are willing to tolerate the volatility of a concentrated, high-turnover strategy.
It is an ETF with an active management approach, run by Alpha Architect.
How Does the Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracking Index | Proprietary rules-based momentum strategy (active) |
| Management Style | Active (rules-based quant) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Periodic rebalancing |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly dividends |
| Issuer | Alpha Architect |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.38% |
The fund screens companies listed outside the US for strong relative momentum using multi-stage quantitative rules, then invests in a relatively small number of stocks. Because it regularly rotates its portfolio as momentum signals change, turnover is relatively high, and its risk-return profile differs from that of broadly diversified index ETFs.
- Rules-based quantitative momentum selection
- Concentrated holdings and high turnover
Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $147.2M, and the total expense ratio is 0.38% per year.
Unlike broadly diversified international ETFs, it concentrates on the momentum factor, so performance can vary widely depending on market conditions.
Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeGiven the nature of the momentum factor, the fund tends to show relatively strong performance in trending markets and heightened volatility during trend reversals. Performance swings are fairly large depending on the overall international equity environment and the factor cycle.
Fund flows move with demand for factor investing and for non-US diversification, and they tend to shift as market preference for momentum strategies changes. In terms of asset size, it falls into the small-to-mid-sized category compared with broad core ETFs.
Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Pros and Cons
Its strength is rules-based international momentum exposure, while stock concentration, high turnover, and volatility during periods of factor weakness are cited as drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
Alternatives offering broad exposure to the same international momentum factor include products such as IMTM, and reviewing it alongside IVAL, the issuer's value factor product, can help diversify factor exposure. For low-cost diversification across non-US markets as a whole, core ETFs such as VXUS or IEFA are direct comparison candidates.
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 TIGO | Millicom International Cellular SA | 0.04% | $79.57 | -0.4% | $13.3B | 20.1 | 5.29% |
| ESLT | Elbit Systems Ltd | 0.02% | $779.68 | -3.4% | $36.5B | 58.8 | 0.51% |
| BHP | BHP Group Limited ADR | 0.02% | $79.16 | -3.3% | $201.2B | 20.4 | 3.72% |
| RIO | Rio Tinto plc ADR | 0.02% | $81.89 | -1.6% | $102.7B | 11.1 | 5.88% |
| SMFG | Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc ADR | 0.02% | $24.20 | -1.9% | $152.8B | 27.8 | 3.01% |
 ENLT | Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd | 0.02% | $66.31 | -3.8% | $9.3B | 106.4 | - |
| TEVA | Teva- Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 0.02% | $42.09 | +1.5% | $49.0B | 70.2 | - |
| IX | Orix Corp ADR | 0.02% | $36.83 | -1.4% | $40.3B | 10.2 | 3.34% |
| MUFG | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR | 0.02% | $21.56 | -1.7% | $242.7B | 14.1 | 2.94% |
Alpha Architect International Quant Momentum ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in IMOM. As an international momentum factor ETF, it helps to thoroughly check the expense ratio, stock concentration, the momentum factor cycle, and currency exposure in advance when deciding on a long-term hold.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the fee burden of an active factor ETF | Needs verification |
| 📊 Stock Concentration | Concentration in a small number of stocks and volatility | High concentration |
| 🔄 Turnover | Trading costs from frequent stock rotation | On the high side |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact on returns converted into Korean won | No currency hedging |
Stock concentration, high turnover, and the cyclicality of the momentum factor are the main drivers of short-term volatility. During periods of factor weakness, performance can lag broad index ETFs significantly.
It is a suitable supplementary asset for investors who want rules-based momentum factor exposure in non-US markets. If broad, low-cost core exposure is the priority, core ETFs such as VXUS and IEFA are worth considering; if you want a concentrated momentum factor tilt, a factor ETF like IMOM is a candidate.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 23, 2026.
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