DFEV vs. CAOS

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEV is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEV returned 21.44%/yr vs 3.63%/yr for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

DFEV vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) 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, DFEV achieves a 21.28% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.95% return.

DFEV

• 1D: 2.29%
• 1M: -8.09%
• 6M: 16.15%
• YTD: 21.28%
• 1Y: 35.54%
• 3Y*: 21.44%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.94%

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%

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

DFEV vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	21.28%	32.54%	7.26%	10.25%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.95%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and CAOS is -0.31, 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	-0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	-0.01

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between DFEV and CAOS has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.01 to -0.31, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 72
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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

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.

DFEV vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) 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.

	DFEV	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.27	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.03	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.26	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	2.62	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.61	5.89	+3.73

DFEV vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV 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

DFEV vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-3.89%	-14.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-0.76%	-10.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	-3.60%	-14.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.48%	-0.95%	-7.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-0.92%	-3.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	0.34%	+3.37%

Volatility

DFEV vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) has a higher volatility of 8.69% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.54%. This indicates that DFEV'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

	DFEV	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.69%	0.54%	+8.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.15%	1.11%	+18.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.86%	1.56%	+19.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.25%	4.19%	+13.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.25%	4.19%	+13.06%

DFEV vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, 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%
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.12%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and CAOS in my portfolio?

DFEV and CAOS have a correlation of -0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEV or CAOS?

DFEV has higher volatility (8.69%) compared to CAOS (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, DFEV leads with 21.44% vs 3.63% for CAOS. On fees, DFEV is cheaper at 0.43% 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, DFEV or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, DFEV has performed better with a 21.44% return vs 3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or CAOS?

DFEV is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

DFEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.12%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between DFEV and CAOS?

DFEV is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.27), 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.