AAUS vs. DMAY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and DMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. AAUS is actively managed, while DMAY is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DMAY.

Performance

AAUS vs. DMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY). 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 DMAY's 4.42% return.

AAUS

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

DMAY

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 4.42%
• 6M: 5.19%
• 1Y: 12.37%
• 3Y*: 11.96%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. DMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
DMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May	4.42%	4.45%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and DMAY is 0.91, 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	0.91

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. DMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMAY

DMAY Risk / Return Rank: 85
DMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
DMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 91
DMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. DMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY). 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	DMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.88	+1.03

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. DMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum DMAY drawdown of -13.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and DMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	DMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-13.90%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.30%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-2.24%	+0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	DMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.84%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.74%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	4.73%	+7.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	9.02%	+3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	8.43%	+4.02%

AAUS vs. DMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAUS vs. DMAY - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, while DMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
DMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and DMAY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, AAUS and DMAY move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or DMAY?

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 DMAY?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DMAY.

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

AAUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.00% for DMAY.

What is the main difference between AAUS and DMAY?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.85% for DMAY.