AAUS vs. ABCS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and ABCS (Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while ABCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BNY Mellon ABC Index. AAUS is actively managed, while ABCS is passively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for ABCS.

Performance

AAUS vs. ABCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly higher than ABCS's 6.97% return.

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ABCS

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 6.97%
• 6M: 7.94%
• 1Y: 16.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. ABCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	6.97%	3.64%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and ABCS is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.62

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. ABCS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ABCS

ABCS Risk / Return Rank: 38
ABCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
ABCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
ABCS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ABCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ABCS Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

AAUS vs. ABCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS). 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

	AAUS	ABCS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.76	+1.14

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. ABCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum ABCS drawdown of -20.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and ABCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	ABCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-20.52%	+11.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.49%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-3.53%	+2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.64%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	ABCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	13.60%	-1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	17.09%	-4.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	17.09%	-4.64%

AAUS vs. ABCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than ABCS's 0.27% 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

AAUS vs. ABCS - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than ABCS's 1.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	1.26%	1.37%	1.39%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and ABCS in my portfolio?

AAUS and ABCS have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or ABCS?

On fees, AAUS 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, AAUS or ABCS?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for ABCS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAUS or ABCS?

ABCS has the higher dividend yield at 1.26%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and ABCS?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while ABCS is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.27% for ABCS.