IBIF vs. AAUS

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

IBIF (iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF) and AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBIF is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2029 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index, while AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. IBIF is passively managed, while AAUS is actively managed. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBIF charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AAUS.

Performance

IBIF vs. AAUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBIF achieves a 1.52% return, which is significantly lower than AAUS's 9.57% return.

IBIF

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.15%
• 6M: 1.40%
• YTD: 1.52%
• 1Y: 3.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAUS

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 2.06%
• 6M: 7.89%
• YTD: 9.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBIF vs. AAUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	1.52%	1.26%
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.57%	10.11%

Correlation

The correlation between IBIF and AAUS is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.04

Return for Risk

IBIF vs. AAUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBIF

IBIF Risk / Return Rank: 73
IBIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IBIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IBIF Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IBIF Martin Ratio Rank: 71

AAUS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

IBIF vs. AAUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS). 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.

	IBIF	AAUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.69	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.36	—	—

Drawdowns

IBIF vs. AAUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBIF drawdown since its inception was -2.50%, smaller than the maximum AAUS drawdown of -9.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIF and AAUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBIF	AAUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.50%	-9.13%	+6.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-0.66%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-1.40%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IBIF	AAUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.74%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.46%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07%	12.73%	-10.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	12.73%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	12.73%	-9.22%

IBIF vs. AAUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBIF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than AAUS's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IBIF vs. AAUS - Dividend Comparison

IBIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.94%, more than AAUS's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	4.94%	4.51%	4.05%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBIF and AAUS in my portfolio?

IBIF and AAUS have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IBIF or AAUS?

On fees, IBIF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBIF or AAUS?

IBIF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AAUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBIF or AAUS?

IBIF has the higher dividend yield at 4.94%, compared with 0.34% for AAUS.

What is the main difference between IBIF and AAUS?

IBIF is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while AAUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IBIF and 0.15% for AAUS.