BOXA vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BOXA (Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. BOXA is actively managed, while VTG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BOXA charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

BOXA vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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 VTG's -0.11% return.

BOXA

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

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BOXA vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	-0.19%	2.77%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%

Correlation

The correlation between BOXA and VTG is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

BOXA vs. VTG — 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

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. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.36	—	—
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

	BOXA	VTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.88	-0.01

Drawdowns

BOXA vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOXA drawdown since its inception was -3.22%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOXA and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOXA	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-2.89%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.04%	-1.89%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.75%	-0.73%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BOXA	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.75%	3.51%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.15%	3.51%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.15%	3.51%	+0.64%

BOXA vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOXA has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% 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

BOXA vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

BOXA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than VTG's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BOXA Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF	0.13%	0.13%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOXA and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BOXA and VTG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, BOXA or VTG?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOXA or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.23% for BOXA.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.21%, compared with 0.13% for BOXA.

What is the main difference between BOXA and VTG?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for BOXA and 0.03% for VTG.