FMKT vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FMKT (The Free Markets ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMKT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FMKT returned 10.12% vs 1.62% for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. FMKT charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

FMKT vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) 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, FMKT achieves a 1.47% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.71% return.

FMKT

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -2.33%
• YTD: 1.47%
• 6M: -0.39%
• 1Y: 10.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

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

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

FMKT vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	1.47%	10.04%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.71%	1.11%

Correlation

The correlation between FMKT and CAOS is -0.21, 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	-0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2025	-0.22

Return for Risk

FMKT vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMKT

FMKT Risk / Return Rank: 16
FMKT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
FMKT Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
FMKT Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FMKT Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
FMKT Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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

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.

FMKT vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) 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.

	FMKT	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.08	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.86	1.72	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.22	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	2.15	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.49	5.18	-3.69

FMKT vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMKT Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMKT 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

FMKT vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMKT drawdown since its inception was -17.79%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMKT and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMKT	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.79%	-3.89%	-13.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.79%	-0.76%	-17.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.93%	-1.18%	-6.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-0.92%	-4.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.81%	0.32%	+6.49%

Volatility

FMKT vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) has a higher volatility of 5.56% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.32%. This indicates that FMKT'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

	FMKT	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.56%	0.32%	+5.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.22%	1.05%	+14.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.76%	1.50%	+18.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.60%	4.23%	+15.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.60%	4.23%	+15.37%

FMKT vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMKT has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMKT vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

FMKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.12%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMKT and CAOS in my portfolio?

FMKT and CAOS have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMKT or CAOS?

FMKT has higher volatility (5.56%) compared to CAOS (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMKT dropped -17.79% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, FMKT or CAOS?

On 1-year performance, FMKT leads with 10.12% 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, FMKT or CAOS?

Over the 1-year period, FMKT has performed better with a 10.12% return vs 1.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMKT or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for FMKT.

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

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

What is the main difference between FMKT and CAOS?

FMKT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for FMKT and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 0.51), 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.