ABCS vs. AAUS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ABCS (Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF) and AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ABCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BNY Mellon ABC Index, while AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. ABCS is passively managed, while AAUS is actively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ABCS charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AAUS.

Performance

ABCS vs. AAUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABCS achieves a 7.49% return, which is significantly lower than AAUS's 10.30% return.

ABCS

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 9.46%
• 1Y: 18.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAUS

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 5.19%
• YTD: 10.30%
• 6M: 10.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ABCS vs. AAUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	7.49%	3.64%
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	10.30%	9.66%

Correlation

The correlation between ABCS and AAUS is 0.62, 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	0.62

Return for Risk

ABCS vs. AAUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ABCS

ABCS Risk / Return Rank: 40
ABCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ABCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
ABCS Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ABCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
ABCS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

ABCS vs. AAUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). 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.

	ABCS	AAUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.95	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ABCS	AAUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.78	2.00	-1.22

Drawdowns

ABCS vs. AAUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABCS drawdown since its inception was -20.52%, which is greater than AAUS's maximum drawdown of -9.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABCS and AAUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABCS	AAUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.52%	-9.13%	-11.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.54%	-1.31%	-2.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ABCS	AAUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.26%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.59%	12.45%	+1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.10%	12.45%	+4.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	12.45%	+4.65%

ABCS vs. AAUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABCS has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than AAUS's 0.15% 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

ABCS vs. AAUS - Dividend Comparison

ABCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, more than AAUS's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.33%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	1.25%	1.37%	1.39%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABCS and AAUS in my portfolio?

ABCS and AAUS have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ABCS or AAUS?

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, ABCS or AAUS?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for ABCS.

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

ABCS has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.33% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between ABCS and AAUS?

ABCS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while AAUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for ABCS and 0.15% for AAUS.