AAVM vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AAVM (Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAVM is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AAVM returned 18.21%/yr vs 3.94%/yr for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. AAVM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

AAVM vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAVM achieves a 13.98% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.71% return.

AAVM

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 13.98%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.85%
• 3Y*: 18.21%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 1.62%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAVM vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	13.98%	18.54%	12.07%	-1.37%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.71%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between AAVM and CAOS is -0.26, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	-0.00

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between AAVM and CAOS has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.00 to -0.26, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

AAVM vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAVM

AAVM Risk / Return Rank: 61
AAVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
AAVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
AAVM Omega Ratio Rank: 60
AAVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
AAVM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 36
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

AAVM vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAVM	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.08	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	1.72	+0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.22	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	2.15	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.28	5.18	+6.10

AAVM vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAVM Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAVM and CAOS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AAVM vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAVM drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAVM and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAVM	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-3.89%	-30.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-0.76%	-10.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-3.60%	-16.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.36%	-1.18%	-2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.25%	-0.92%	-12.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	0.32%	+2.33%

Volatility

AAVM vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF (AAVM) has a higher volatility of 5.92% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.32%. This indicates that AAVM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAOS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAVM	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.92%	0.32%	+5.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	1.05%	+12.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	1.50%	+14.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.80%	4.23%	+11.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.96%	4.23%	+10.73%

AAVM vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAVM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAVM vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

AAVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AAVM Alpha Architect Global Factor Equity ETF	1.80%	2.05%	2.54%	4.13%	2.24%	0.82%	0.00%	1.76%	0.93%	0.81%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAVM and CAOS in my portfolio?

AAVM and CAOS have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AAVM or CAOS?

AAVM has higher volatility (5.92%) compared to CAOS (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAVM dropped -34.71% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, AAVM or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, AAVM leads with 18.21% vs 3.94% for CAOS. On fees, AAVM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAVM or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, AAVM has performed better with a 18.21% return vs 3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAVM or CAOS?

AAVM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAVM or CAOS?

AAVM has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between AAVM and CAOS?

AAVM is categorized as Multi-factor, while CAOS is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AAVM and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.08), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.