ABCS vs. BOXA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ABCS (Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF) and BOXA (Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ABCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BNY Mellon ABC Index, while BOXA is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. ABCS is passively managed, while BOXA is actively managed. Over the past year, ABCS returned 17.88% vs 3.17% for BOXA. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ABCS charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for BOXA.

Performance

ABCS vs. BOXA - 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 Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ABCS achieves a 8.48% return, which is significantly higher than BOXA's 0.22% return.

ABCS

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 8.48%
• 6M: 7.66%
• 1Y: 17.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOXA

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.22%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: 3.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ABCS vs. BOXA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	8.48%	7.95%	-2.29%
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	0.22%	5.41%	0.02%

Correlation

The correlation between ABCS and BOXA is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.22

Return for Risk

ABCS vs. BOXA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ABCS

ABCS Risk / Return Rank: 42
ABCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
ABCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
ABCS Omega Ratio Rank: 37
ABCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
ABCS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

BOXA

BOXA Risk / Return Rank: 23
BOXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
BOXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
BOXA Omega Ratio Rank: 22
BOXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
BOXA Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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. BOXA - 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 Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA). 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.

	ABCS	BOXA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	0.86	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	1.27	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.15	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	0.99	+1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.78	2.81	+3.97

ABCS vs. BOXA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ABCS Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is higher than the BOXA Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ABCS and BOXA, 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

ABCS vs. BOXA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ABCS drawdown since its inception was -20.52%, which is greater than BOXA's maximum drawdown of -3.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ABCS and BOXA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ABCS	BOXA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.52%	-3.22%	-17.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-3.22%	-5.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-1.64%	+0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.47%	-0.79%	-2.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	1.13%	+1.51%

Volatility

ABCS vs. BOXA - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF (ABCS) has a higher volatility of 3.31% compared to Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) at 0.98%. This indicates that ABCS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BOXA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ABCS	BOXA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	0.98%	+2.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.37%	2.68%	+6.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.68%	3.69%	+9.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.06%	4.13%	+12.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	4.13%	+12.93%

ABCS vs. BOXA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ABCS has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXA's 0.23% 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. BOXA - Dividend Comparison

ABCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, more than BOXA's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ABCS Alpha Blue Capital US Small-Mid Cap Dynamic ETF	1.24%	1.37%	1.39%	0.02%
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	0.13%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ABCS and BOXA in my portfolio?

ABCS and BOXA have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ABCS or BOXA?

ABCS has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to BOXA (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ABCS dropped -20.52% vs BOXA's -3.22%.

Which ETF is better, ABCS or BOXA?

On 1-year performance, ABCS leads with 17.88% vs 3.17% for BOXA. On fees, BOXA is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, BOXA has been the lower-risk option at 0.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ABCS or BOXA?

Over the 1-year period, ABCS has performed better with a 17.88% return vs 3.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ABCS or BOXA?

BOXA is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for ABCS.

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

ABCS has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.13% for BOXA.

What is the main difference between ABCS and BOXA?

ABCS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while BOXA is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for ABCS and 0.23% for BOXA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ABCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.86), 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.