What Is the IVAL ETF? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs at a Glance
The Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF (IVAL) is an actively managed international value ETF that uses quantitative rules to select undervalued non-US value stocks. Its management fee, dividend and concentrated strategy are the key selection criteria, and comparing it with EFV and VXUS is important.
SubscribeWhat Is the Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF?
This is an active ETF that uses a multi-step quantitative methodology to select and hold non-US international stocks that appear undervalued relative to their intrinsic value. It follows a deep value strategy concentrated in a few dozen holdings.
It suits investors who want international diversification and value factor exposure at the same time, and who can tolerate the volatility of a concentrated portfolio.
It is an ETF run with an active (actively managed) approach by Alpha Architect.
How Does the Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Rules-based proprietary quant selection (does not track an index) |
| Management Style | Active (quant rules-based) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Periodic (rules-based) |
| Dividend Frequency | Annual |
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% |
| Fund Manager | Alpha Architect |
Among stocks listed outside the US, it uses multi-step quantitative rules to select undervalued names whose market prices are judged not to fully reflect the companies' real value. It invests in a relatively small number of stocks, and part of its assets may be allocated to cash equivalents.
- Selection based on deep value quant rules
- Concentrated portfolio of a small number of stocks
Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fees)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $226.5M, and the expense ratio is 0.38% per year.
Compared with broad market-cap-weighted international ETFs, it holds fewer stocks and is tilted toward value, so its performance and volatility patterns can differ significantly.
Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeIts trajectory depends on the relative performance of the value factor. It can lag the market when growth stocks are leading, and it tends to show relative strength when value reverts. Short-term volatility is affected by exchange rates and regional economic conditions.
Fund flows vary with demand for international value and factor investing, and because it belongs to a category smaller than broad core ETFs, trading liquidity is relatively limited. Fund flow volatility tends to be high depending on market conditions.
Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Pros and Cons
Its strength is rules-based, concentrated exposure to international value stocks, while its weaknesses are concentration and the risk of a weak value factor.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The two ETFs shown in the table, COPY and ICPY, are actively managed products in a similar category that combine insider buying with value signals, and are worth comparing. To broaden international value exposure beyond these, you could also consider EFV, a broadly diversified, low-fee international value ETF, VXUS, which invests across developed and emerging markets outside the US, and QVAL, a sister fund that applies deep value to US small-cap value.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 COPY | Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF | $15.76 | +0.2% | $433.1M | 0.80% | 0.78% | +28.0% |
 ICPY | Tweedy, Browne International Insider + Value ETF | $13.13 | -0.3% | $80.2M | 0.80% | 0.24% | +29.5% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FAF | First American Financial Corp | 0.14% | $63.82 | +0.2% | $6.5B | 9.0 | 3.64% |
| EQNR | Equinor ASA ADR | 0.04% | $48.75 | +2.5% | $116.5B | 10.1 | 3.25% |
| RIO | Rio Tinto plc ADR | 0.02% | $81.89 | -1.6% | $102.7B | 11.1 | 5.88% |
| SONY | Sony Group Corp ADR | 0.02% | $25.30 | -0.7% | $148.6B | - | 0.85% |
| BHP | BHP Group Limited ADR | 0.04% | $79.16 | -3.3% | $201.2B | 20.4 | 3.72% |
| TS | Tenaris SA ADR | 0.04% | $60.31 | -1.6% | $32.3B | 16.1 | 4.15% |
Alpha Architect International Quant Value ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in IVAL. As an active ETF focused on international value stocks, it is wise to thoroughly check its costs, concentration, regional exposure and factor characteristics in advance, and to confirm that it fits your own strategy.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the long-term impact of active management costs | Annual fee applies |
| 📊 Concentration | Volatility from a small number of holdings | Concentrated portfolio |
| 🌍 Regional Exposure | Check diversification across non-US countries and currencies | International diversification |
| 📉 Factor Profile | Cyclical nature of the value factor | Periodic weakness possible |
If the value factor stays weak for a long time, performance can fall behind the market, and given its concentrated portfolio, it can be shaken significantly by shocks to individual stocks or regions. Exchange rate movements also directly affect returns in Korean won.
This ETF suits investors who want to invest in international value stocks in a concentrated, rules-based way. If you want broad diversification, it is advisable to also review alternatives such as EFV and VXUS, and if you want US small-cap value exposure, QVAL.
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 18, 2026.
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