BOXX vs. BILS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) and BILS (SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds - BOXX tracks the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index while BILS tracks the Bloomberg 3-12 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BOXX returned 4.71%/yr vs 4.61%/yr for BILS. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BOXX charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for BILS.

Performance

BOXX vs. BILS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) and SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF (BILS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BOXX achieves a 1.72% return, which is significantly higher than BILS's 1.57% return.

BOXX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 4.02%
• 3Y*: 4.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BILS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 1.57%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 3.86%
• 3Y*: 4.61%
• 5Y*: 3.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

BOXX vs. BILS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.72%	4.37%	5.16%	5.04%	0.07%
BILS SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF	1.57%	4.23%	5.17%	4.92%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between BOXX and BILS 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2022	0.30

Return for Risk

BOXX vs. BILS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

BILS

BILS Risk / Return Rank: 100
BILS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BILS Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
BILS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
BILS Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
BILS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

BOXX vs. BILS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) and SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF (BILS). 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.

	BOXX	BILS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	12.63	16.76	-4.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	35.92	88.16	-52.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	9.07	34.42	-25.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	58.74	128.51	-69.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	507.08	1,292.26	-785.18

BOXX vs. BILS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BOXX Sharpe Ratio is 12.63, which is comparable to the BILS Sharpe Ratio of 16.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BOXX and BILS, 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

BOXX vs. BILS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOXX drawdown since its inception was -0.12%, smaller than the maximum BILS drawdown of -0.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOXX and BILS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOXX	BILS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-0.41%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.07%	-0.03%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.12%	-0.04%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-0.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.00%	-0.04%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.01%	0.00%	+0.01%

Volatility

BOXX vs. BILS - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) has a higher volatility of 0.12% compared to SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF (BILS) at 0.06%. This indicates that BOXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BILS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BOXX	BILS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.12%	0.06%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.26%	0.14%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32%	0.23%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.37%	0.31%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.37%	0.30%	+0.07%

BOXX vs. BILS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOXX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than BILS's 0.14% 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

BOXX vs. BILS - Dividend Comparison

BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BILS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BILS SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF	3.81%	4.08%	5.01%	4.98%	1.61%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOXX and BILS in my portfolio?

BOXX and BILS 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, BOXX or BILS?

BOXX has higher volatility (0.12%) compared to BILS (0.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BOXX dropped -0.12% vs BILS's -0.41%.

Which ETF is better, BOXX or BILS?

On 3-year performance, BOXX leads with 4.71% vs 4.61% for BILS. On fees, BILS is cheaper at 0.14% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BOXX or BILS?

Over the 3-year period, BOXX has performed better with a 4.71% return vs 4.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOXX or BILS?

BILS is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for BOXX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BOXX or BILS?

BILS has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between BOXX and BILS?

BOXX tracks Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index, while BILS tracks Bloomberg 3-12 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for BOXX and 0.14% for BILS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BILS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (16.76 vs 12.63), 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.