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Oct 28, 2026
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IDMO vs IMTM: Weighing Momentum ETFs for Developed Markets

IDMO vs IMTM: Weighing Momentum ETFs for Developed Markets

Key Takeaways

  • IDMO and IMTM both target developed-market international stocks exhibiting high momentum, making them direct competitors within the same niche.
  • IDMO tracks the S&P World Ex-U.S. Momentum Index with roughly 166 holdings, while IMTM tracks the MSCI World ex USA Momentum Index with roughly 300 holdings, giving IMTM broader diversification.
  • IDMO carries a slightly lower expense ratio (0.25%) than IMTM (0.30%).
  • IDMO is more concentrated in financials (near 48%) and has a heavier momentum tilt, while IMTM shows a more balanced sector mix with a larger industrials allocation.
  • Both funds rebalance semi-annually and are passive, rules-based factor strategies rather than active or thematic products.
  • Relative positioning depends on whether investors prefer a higher-conviction momentum concentration (IDMO) or broader, lower single-stock concentration (IMTM).

Introduction

Momentum strategies have drawn renewed interest as investors look for international diversification away from U.S. mega-cap technology dominance. IDMO and IMTM stand out as established ETFs that deliver factor-based exposure to developed markets outside the United States. Because both apply momentum screens to similar universes, they compete for the same investor attention, yet differences in index methodology, holding counts, and sector tilts create distinct exposure profiles. I compared their structure, costs, and allocations to see which approach might better suit varying portfolio needs and risk levels.

A Closer Look at IDMO

IDMO seeks to track the S&P World Ex-U.S. Momentum Index, selecting and weighting large- and mid-cap stocks from developed markets excluding the U.S. and South Korea based on price momentum. Launched in February 2012, the fund follows a passive, rules-based approach that typically uses full replication and rebalances semi-annually. It holds about 166 securities, resulting in a more concentrated portfolio. Top holdings include ASML, Royal Bank of Canada, HSBC Holdings, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Novartis, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. Financials dominate at roughly 48%, followed by information technology at about 18%, with energy, materials, and industrials also represented. Japan and Canada lead the country weights. The net expense ratio stands at 0.25%. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the holdings compare across similar international momentum names.

A Closer Look at IMTM

IMTM tracks the MSCI World ex USA Momentum Index, focusing on developed-market large- and mid-cap stocks outside the U.S. that show stronger momentum traits than the parent index. Launched in January 2015, it too is a passive, rules-based strategy with semi-annual rebalancing. With around 300 holdings, it provides wider diversification. Leading positions include ASML, Royal Bank of Canada, HSBC Holdings, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Shell, Novartis, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and TotalEnergies. Financials account for roughly 38–40%, followed by industrials at about 22%, with information technology and materials next. Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom top the geographic mix. The net expense ratio is 0.30%.

The Broader Context for These Strategies

Both ETFs sit at the intersection of international developed-market equities and momentum factor investing. Momentum approaches often shine in trending markets where leaders keep leading, yet they can lag during sharp rotations. The sizable financials exposure in each ties performance to global banking conditions, credit trends, and interest-rate paths in Japan, Europe, and Canada. Semiconductor holdings such as ASML connect both to technology and AI-related capital spending. Currency fluctuations and differing monetary policies add another layer, as neither fund hedges foreign-currency risk.

How the Two ETFs Compare in Positioning

In recent cycles, both have benefited from strength in international financials, industrials, and select semiconductor names. IDMO’s tighter concentration and heavier financials tilt make it more responsive to banking trends and a few key holdings. IMTM’s larger number of positions and more balanced sectors tend to reduce single-stock concentration and may soften drawdowns during shifts in leadership. The modest difference in fees favors IDMO over longer periods. Investors ultimately weigh concentrated trend capture against broader diversification when choosing between them.

Exploring Tickeron’s AI Tools

I often turn to Tickeron’s AI Screener when comparing ETFs like these. The tool lets me filter by technical patterns, fundamentals, and momentum signals across thousands of names, helping refine ideas more efficiently than manual review. It has become a regular part of my process for spotting how holdings align with broader trends.

Disclaimer

The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.

Disclaimers and Limitations

Related Ticker: IMTM, IDMO

IMTM's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory

The RSI Oscillator for IMTM moved out of oversold territory on October 26, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 28 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.

Price Prediction Chart

Technical Analysis (Indicators)

Bullish Trend Analysis

The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 58 of 67 cases where IMTM's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.

Following a +1.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IMTM advanced for three days, in 255 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.

Bearish Trend Analysis

The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IMTM as a result. In 58 of 80 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IMTM turned negative on October 07, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 54 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 38 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.

IMTM moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.

The 10-day moving average for IMTM crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.

Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IMTM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.

The Aroon Indicator for IMTM entered a downward trend on October 27, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.

Notable companies

The most notable companies in this group are Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ), Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU), Nokia Corp (NYSE:NOK), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA), Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:NBIS).

Industry description

The investment seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI World ex USA Momentum Index that measures the performance of international developed large- and mid-capitalization stocks exhibiting relatively higher momentum characteristics. The fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the index and in investments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the component securities of the index. The index consists of stocks exhibiting relatively higher momentum characteristics than the traditional market capitalization-weighted parent index, the MSCI World ex USA Index.

Market Cap

The average market capitalization across the iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) ETF is 44.36B. The market cap for tickers in the group ranges from 531.13M to 111.47B. CNQ holds the highest valuation in this group at 111.47B. The lowest valued company is HKD at 531.13M.

High and low price notable news

The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) ETF was 0%. For the same ETF, the average monthly price growth was -4%, and the average quarterly price growth was 0%. AER experienced the highest price growth at 4%, while CLS experienced the biggest fall at -8%.

Volume

The average weekly volume growth across all stocks in the iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) ETF was -7%. For the same stocks of the ETF, the average monthly volume growth was 22% and the average quarterly volume growth was -28%

Fundamental Analysis Ratings

The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows

Valuation Rating: 64
P/E Growth Rating: 59
Price Growth Rating: 52
SMR Rating: 58
Profit Risk Rating: 56
Seasonality Score: 31 (-100 ... +100)
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Category ForeignLargeBlend

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Foreign Large Blend
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iShares Trust400 Howard StreetSan Francisco
Phone
415-670-2000
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IDMO vs IMTM: Weighing Momentum ETFs for Developed Markets