CAOS vs. OUNZ

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) and OUNZ (VanEck Merk Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while OUNZ is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). CAOS is actively managed, while OUNZ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CAOS returned 3.63%/yr vs 27.36%/yr for OUNZ. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. CAOS charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OUNZ.

Performance

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) and VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CAOS achieves a 0.95% return, which is significantly higher than OUNZ's -5.33% return.

CAOS

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 1Y: 1.98%
• 3Y*: 3.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.80%

OUNZ

• 1D: 1.97%
• 1M: -3.16%
• 6M: -14.22%
• YTD: -5.33%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 27.36%
• 5Y*: 17.44%
• 10Y*: 11.59%
• ALL TIME*: 9.56%

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

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.95%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%
OUNZ VanEck Merk Gold ETF	-5.33%	63.95%	26.75%	11.07%

Correlation

The correlation between CAOS and OUNZ is 0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	-0.03

Return for Risk

CAOS vs. OUNZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 56
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

OUNZ

OUNZ Risk / Return Rank: 25
OUNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
OUNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
OUNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 29
OUNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
OUNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) and VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ). 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.

	CAOS	OUNZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.72	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	1.06	+0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.15	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	0.76	+1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	1.76	+4.13

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CAOS Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the OUNZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CAOS and OUNZ, 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

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAOS drawdown since its inception was -3.89%, smaller than the maximum OUNZ drawdown of -26.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAOS and OUNZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAOS	OUNZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-26.31%	+22.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.76%	-26.31%	+25.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.60%	-26.31%	+22.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.31%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-24.32%	+23.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-7.73%	+6.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	11.33%	-10.99%

Volatility

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) is 0.54%, while VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) has a volatility of 6.78%. This indicates that CAOS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OUNZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CAOS	OUNZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.54%	6.78%	-6.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.11%	24.08%	-22.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.56%	27.86%	-26.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.19%	18.35%	-14.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.19%	16.13%	-11.94%

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAOS has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than OUNZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAOS vs. OUNZ - Dividend Comparison

Neither CAOS nor OUNZ has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAOS and OUNZ in my portfolio?

CAOS and OUNZ have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CAOS or OUNZ?

OUNZ has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to CAOS (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CAOS dropped -3.89% vs OUNZ's -26.31%.

Which ETF is better, CAOS or OUNZ?

On 3-year performance, OUNZ leads with 27.36% vs 3.63% for CAOS. On fees, OUNZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CAOS or OUNZ?

Over the 3-year period, OUNZ has performed better with a 27.36% return vs 3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAOS or OUNZ?

OUNZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CAOS or OUNZ?

CAOS and OUNZ have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between CAOS and OUNZ?

CAOS is categorized as Options Trading, while OUNZ is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for CAOS and 0.25% for OUNZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.72), 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.