AAUS vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

AAUS vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) 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, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 32.04% return.

AAUS

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

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	28.65%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and AFOS is 0.82, 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 Jul 24, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	4.35	-2.44

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-11.52%	+2.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.29%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-1.37%	+0.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	20.19%	-7.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	20.19%	-7.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	20.19%	-7.74%

AAUS vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AAUS vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, more than AFOS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and AFOS in my portfolio?

AAUS and AFOS have a correlation of 0.82, 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 AFOS?

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 AFOS?

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

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

AAUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.22% for AFOS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and AFOS?

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