CBSE vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

CBSE (Clough Select Equity ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CBSE is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Clough, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CBSE returned 30.60%/yr vs 3.97%/yr for CAOS. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CBSE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

CBSE vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CBSE achieves a 27.58% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.79% return.

CBSE

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.66%
• YTD: 27.58%
• 6M: 24.67%
• 1Y: 39.95%
• 3Y*: 30.60%
• 5Y*: 11.43%
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 1.78%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CBSE vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	27.58%	19.53%	32.20%	5.51%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.79%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between CBSE and CAOS is -0.24, 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	-0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	0.01

The correlation between CBSE and CAOS shifts across timeframes, from -0.24 (1 year) to 0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CBSE vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBSE

CBSE Risk / Return Rank: 55
CBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
CBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
CBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 49
CBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
CBSE Martin Ratio Rank: 55

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 42
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

CBSE vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). 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.

	CBSE	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.19	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	1.89	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.25	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	2.36	+0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.58	5.68	+2.91

CBSE vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBSE and CAOS, 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

CBSE vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBSE drawdown since its inception was -36.30%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBSE and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBSE	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.30%	-3.89%	-32.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.57%	-0.76%	-12.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.40%	-3.60%	-25.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.37%	-1.09%	-3.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.23%	-0.92%	-11.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	0.31%	+4.36%

Volatility

CBSE vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) has a higher volatility of 12.50% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.33%. This indicates that CBSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CAOS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CBSE	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.50%	0.33%	+12.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.35%	1.05%	+19.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.96%	1.50%	+23.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.51%	4.23%	+20.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.11%	4.23%	+19.88%

CBSE vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBSE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBSE vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

CBSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	0.27%	0.35%	0.37%	1.50%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CBSE and CAOS in my portfolio?

CBSE and CAOS have a correlation of -0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBSE or CAOS?

CBSE has higher volatility (12.50%) compared to CAOS (0.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBSE dropped -36.30% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, CBSE or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, CBSE leads with 30.60% vs 3.97% for CAOS. On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBSE or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, CBSE has performed better with a 30.60% return vs 3.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBSE or CAOS?

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

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

CBSE has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between CBSE and CAOS?

CBSE is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Clough and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for CBSE and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CBSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.19), 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.