AAUS vs. SAMT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and SAMT (Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for SAMT.

Performance

AAUS vs. SAMT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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 SAMT's 20.25% return.

AAUS

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

SAMT

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 6.66%
• YTD: 20.25%
• 6M: 23.92%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 28.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. SAMT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	20.25%	10.13%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and SAMT is 0.69, 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	0.69

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. SAMT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAMT

SAMT Risk / Return Rank: 77
SAMT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
SAMT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SAMT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SAMT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
SAMT Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. SAMT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT). 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	SAMT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.98	+0.93

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. SAMT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum SAMT drawdown of -20.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and SAMT.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	SAMT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-20.57%	+11.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.15%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.66%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-7.72%	+6.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.95%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	SAMT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.82%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.56%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	16.68%	-4.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	16.94%	-4.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	16.94%	-4.49%

AAUS vs. SAMT - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SAMT's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAUS vs. SAMT - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than SAMT's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SAMT Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF	0.58%	0.70%	1.40%	1.49%	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and SAMT in my portfolio?

AAUS and SAMT have a correlation of 0.69, 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 SAMT?

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 SAMT?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for SAMT.

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

SAMT has the higher dividend yield at 0.58%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and SAMT?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Strategas. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.66% for SAMT.