AAUS vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. AAUS is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

AAUS vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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 VGUS's 1.44% return.

AAUS

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

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.44%	1.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and VGUS is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	-0.08

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 100
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	12.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	11.72	-9.82

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-0.07%	-9.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	0.00%	-0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-0.00%	-1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.11%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	0.33%	+12.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	0.34%	+12.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	0.34%	+12.11%

AAUS vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio. However, 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. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than VGUS's 3.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.61%	3.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and VGUS in my portfolio?

AAUS and VGUS have a correlation of -0.08, 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 VGUS?

On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAUS or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AAUS.

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

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between AAUS and VGUS?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.07% for VGUS.