AAEQ vs. AFOS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAEQ achieves a 8.51% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 27.19% return.

AAEQ

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.30%
• 6M: 7.61%
• YTD: 8.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -4.38%
• 6M: 18.66%
• YTD: 27.19%
• 1Y: 67.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	8.51%	-1.11%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	27.19%	2.21%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and AFOS is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AAEQ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

AFOS

AFOS Risk / Return Rank: 94
AFOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
AFOS Omega Ratio Rank: 92
AFOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
AFOS Martin Ratio Rank: 96

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAEQ	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.03	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.72	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.49	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.86	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	24.92	—

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-11.52%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-7.02%	+5.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-1.58%	-0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.70%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.83%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.52%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	22.26%	-8.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	21.80%	-7.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.85%	21.80%	-7.95%

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than AFOS's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.23%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and AFOS in my portfolio?

AAEQ and AFOS have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAEQ or AFOS?

On fees, AAEQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAEQ or AFOS?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for AFOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAEQ or AFOS?

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.23%, compared with 0.09% for AAEQ.

What is the main difference between AAEQ and AFOS?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 0.45% for AFOS.