CAOS vs. XIMR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) and XIMR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CAOS returned 1.62% vs 7.87% for XIMR. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. CAOS charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for XIMR.

Performance

CAOS vs. XIMR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CAOS achieves a 0.71% return, which is significantly lower than XIMR's 4.15% return.

CAOS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 1.62%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XIMR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 4.15%
• 6M: 4.33%
• 1Y: 7.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CAOS vs. XIMR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.71%	2.55%	4.16%
XIMR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March	4.15%	6.80%	5.75%

Correlation

The correlation between CAOS and XIMR is -0.23, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2024	-0.22

Return for Risk

CAOS vs. XIMR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 36
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 36

XIMR

XIMR Risk / Return Rank: 97
XIMR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XIMR Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
XIMR Omega Ratio Rank: 98
XIMR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XIMR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. XIMR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR). 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	XIMR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	3.87	-2.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	7.00	-5.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	2.20	-0.98
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	7.29	-5.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.18	59.00	-53.82

CAOS vs. XIMR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CAOS Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the XIMR Sharpe Ratio of 3.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CAOS and XIMR, 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. XIMR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAOS drawdown since its inception was -3.89%, smaller than the maximum XIMR drawdown of -5.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAOS and XIMR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAOS	XIMR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-5.12%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.76%	-1.08%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.60%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.18%	-0.30%	-0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.17%	-0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	0.13%	+0.19%

Volatility

CAOS vs. XIMR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) is 0.32%, while FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR) has a volatility of 0.79%. This indicates that CAOS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XIMR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CAOS	XIMR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.32%	0.79%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.05%	1.79%	-0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50%	2.08%	-0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.23%	4.34%	-0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.23%	4.34%	-0.11%

CAOS vs. XIMR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAOS has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than XIMR's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAOS vs. XIMR - Dividend Comparison

CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XIMR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.43%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XIMR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March	6.43%	6.41%	4.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAOS and XIMR in my portfolio?

CAOS and XIMR have a correlation of -0.23, 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 XIMR?

XIMR has higher volatility (0.79%) compared to CAOS (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CAOS dropped -3.89% vs XIMR's -5.12%.

Which ETF is better, CAOS or XIMR?

On 1-year performance, XIMR leads with 7.87% vs 1.62% for CAOS. On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CAOS or XIMR?

Over the 1-year period, XIMR has performed better with a 7.87% return vs 1.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAOS or XIMR?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for XIMR.

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

XIMR has the higher dividend yield at 6.43%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between CAOS and XIMR?

They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for CAOS and 0.85% for XIMR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XIMR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.87 vs 1.08), 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.