AAUS vs. BOXA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and BOXA (Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BOXA is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for BOXA.

Performance

AAUS vs. BOXA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA). 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 BOXA's -0.19% return.

AAUS

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

BOXA

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: -0.19%
• 6M: -0.46%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. BOXA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	-0.19%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and BOXA is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.23

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. BOXA — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOXA

BOXA Risk / Return Rank: 25
BOXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
BOXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BOXA Omega Ratio Rank: 24
BOXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BOXA Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. BOXA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA). 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	BOXA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.87	+1.04

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. BOXA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, which is greater than BOXA's maximum drawdown of -3.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and BOXA.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	BOXA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-3.22%	-5.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-2.04%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-0.75%	-0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.05%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	BOXA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	3.75%	+8.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	4.15%	+8.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	4.15%	+8.30%

AAUS vs. BOXA - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BOXA's 0.23% 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. BOXA - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, more than BOXA's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	0.13%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and BOXA in my portfolio?

AAUS and BOXA have a correlation of 0.23, 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 BOXA?

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 BOXA?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for BOXA.

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

AAUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.13% for BOXA.

What is the main difference between AAUS and BOXA?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BOXA is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.23% for BOXA.