AAEQ vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAEQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. AAEQ is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

AAEQ vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAEQ achieves a 9.45% return, which is significantly higher than BOXX's 1.59% return.

AAEQ

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOXX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.98%
• 1Y: 4.09%
• 3Y*: 4.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAEQ vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	9.45%	-1.99%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.59%	0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and BOXX is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	-0.13

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAEQ	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	12.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	12.91	-11.74

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-0.12%	-10.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	0.00%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.44%	-0.00%	-2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.25%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.67%	0.32%	+13.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.67%	0.37%	+13.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.67%	0.37%	+13.30%

AAEQ vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%	0.00%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and BOXX in my portfolio?

AAEQ and BOXX have a correlation of -0.13, 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 BOXX?

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 BOXX?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for BOXX.

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

AAEQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between AAEQ and BOXX?

AAEQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 0.19% for BOXX.