CAPE vs. FAAR
CAPE (iPath Shiller CAPE ETN) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CAPE is a Global Equities fund tracking the Shiller Barclays CAPE US Core Sector Index, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. CAPE is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CAPE returned 11.89%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. CAPE charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.
Performance
CAPE vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CAPE achieves a -0.06% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.
CAPE
- 1D
- 1.38%
- 1M
- -0.99%
- YTD
- -0.06%
- 6M
- -0.35%
- 1Y
- 3.99%
- 3Y*
- 11.89%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FAAR
- 1D
- -0.91%
- 1M
- -5.21%
- YTD
- 19.14%
- 6M
- 18.06%
- 1Y
- 28.33%
- 3Y*
- 10.57%
- 5Y*
- 7.72%
- 10Y*
- 4.69%
CAPE vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAPE iPath Shiller CAPE ETN | -0.06% | 9.10% | 14.40% | 27.65% | -15.28% |
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 19.14% | 8.07% | 5.97% | -5.63% | -5.77% |
Correlation
The correlation between CAPE and FAAR is -0.10, 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 | -0.10 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.02 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2022 | -0.03 |
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Return for Risk
CAPE vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank
CAPE
FAAR
CAPE vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iPath Shiller CAPE ETN (CAPE) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.
| CAPE | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.79 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.50 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.07 | 1.37 | -0.30 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.41 | 4.52 | -4.11 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.46 | 15.18 | -13.71 |
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Drawdowns
CAPE vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CAPE drawdown since its inception was -22.07%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAPE and FAAR.
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Drawdown Indicators
| CAPE | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.07% | -18.03% | -4.04% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.68% | -6.29% | -3.39% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.32% | -11.54% | -2.78% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -18.03% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -18.03% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.24% | -6.29% | +3.05% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.90% | -7.82% | +2.92% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.73% | 1.87% | +0.86% |
Volatility
CAPE vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison
iPath Shiller CAPE ETN (CAPE) has a higher volatility of 3.60% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.55%. This indicates that CAPE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| CAPE | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.60% | 2.55% | +1.05% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.60% | 9.68% | -1.08% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.14% | 13.38% | -2.24% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.89% | 12.96% | +3.93% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.89% | 11.54% | +5.35% |
CAPE vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison
CAPE has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
CAPE vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison
CAPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.38%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAPE iPath Shiller CAPE ETN | 1.38% | 1.39% | 1.23% | 1.01% | 0.80% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 9.66% | 11.63% | 3.45% | 3.20% | 5.82% | 6.49% | 3.05% | 1.02% | 0.58% | 2.83% |
Frequently Asked Questions
CAPE and FAAR have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
CAPE has higher volatility (3.60%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CAPE dropped -22.07% vs FAAR's -18.03%.
On 3-year performance, CAPE leads with 11.89% vs 10.57% for FAAR. On fees, CAPE is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, CAPE has performed better with a 11.89% return vs 10.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
CAPE is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 1.38% for CAPE.
CAPE is categorized as Global Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Barclays Capital and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CAPE and 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.36), 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.
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