BOXA vs. FCBD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BOXA (Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF) and FCBD (Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BOXA returned 3.52% vs 4.20% for FCBD. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BOXA charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for FCBD.

Performance

BOXA vs. FCBD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) and Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BOXA achieves a -0.19% return, which is significantly lower than FCBD's 0.26% return.

BOXA

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: -0.19%
• 6M: -0.46%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FCBD

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.38%
• 1Y: 4.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BOXA vs. FCBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	-0.19%	5.41%	-0.09%
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	0.26%	6.29%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between BOXA and FCBD is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.89

The correlation between BOXA and FCBD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BOXA vs. FCBD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOXA

BOXA Risk / Return Rank: 25
BOXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
BOXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BOXA Omega Ratio Rank: 24
BOXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BOXA Martin Ratio Rank: 25

FCBD

FCBD Risk / Return Rank: 52
FCBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
FCBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FCBD Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FCBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FCBD Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

BOXA vs. FCBD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) and Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD). 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.

	BOXA	FCBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	1.79	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.68	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	2.57	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.36	7.86	-4.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BOXA vs. FCBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BOXA Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the FCBD Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BOXA and FCBD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BOXA	FCBD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	1.79	-0.85
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	1.76	-0.89

Drawdowns

BOXA vs. FCBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOXA drawdown since its inception was -3.22%, which is greater than FCBD's maximum drawdown of -1.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOXA and FCBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOXA	FCBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-1.64%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.22%	-1.64%	-1.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.04%	-0.94%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.75%	-0.35%	-0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	0.54%	+0.51%

Volatility

BOXA vs. FCBD - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) has a higher volatility of 1.36% compared to Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF (FCBD) at 0.86%. This indicates that BOXA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FCBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BOXA	FCBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	0.86%	+0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	1.72%	+0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.75%	2.35%	+1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.15%	2.60%	+1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.15%	2.60%	+1.55%

BOXA vs. FCBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOXA has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than FCBD's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

BOXA vs. FCBD - Dividend Comparison

BOXA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than FCBD's 4.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	0.13%	0.13%	0.00%
FCBD Frontier Asset Core Bond ETF	4.23%	4.34%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOXA and FCBD in my portfolio?

BOXA and FCBD have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BOXA or FCBD?

BOXA has higher volatility (1.36%) compared to FCBD (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BOXA dropped -3.22% vs FCBD's -1.64%.

Which ETF is better, BOXA or FCBD?

On 1-year performance, FCBD leads with 4.20% vs 3.52% for BOXA. On fees, BOXA is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, FCBD has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BOXA or FCBD?

Over the 1-year period, FCBD has performed better with a 4.20% return vs 3.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOXA or FCBD?

BOXA is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FCBD.

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

FCBD has the higher dividend yield at 4.23%, compared with 0.13% for BOXA.

What is the main difference between BOXA and FCBD?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Frontier. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for BOXA and 0.90% for FCBD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.94), 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.