MFSI vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MFSI (MFS Active International ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFSI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MFSI returned 17.49% vs 1.88% for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.33, they often move in opposite directions. MFSI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

MFSI vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) 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, MFSI achieves a 6.73% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.82% return.

MFSI

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 5.04%
• YTD: 6.73%
• 6M: 9.01%
• 1Y: 17.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 1.88%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MFSI vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	6.73%	26.43%	-4.21%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.82%	2.55%	0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between MFSI and CAOS is -0.33, 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	-0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2024	-0.33

Return for Risk

MFSI vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFSI

MFSI Risk / Return Rank: 34
MFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
MFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 40
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
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.

MFSI vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) 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.

	MFSI	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	1.98	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	2.49	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	6.22	-0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFSI vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFSI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MFSI	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	1.21	-0.04

Drawdowns

MFSI vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFSI drawdown since its inception was -13.67%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFSI and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFSI	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.67%	-3.60%	-10.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-0.76%	-10.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.16%	-1.07%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.97%	-0.90%	-1.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	0.30%	+2.68%

Volatility

MFSI vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) has a higher volatility of 4.72% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.26%. This indicates that MFSI'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

	MFSI	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	0.26%	+4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.16%	1.03%	+11.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	1.52%	+13.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.32%	4.26%	+12.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.32%	4.26%	+12.06%

MFSI vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFSI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFSI vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

MFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	0.76%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFSI and CAOS in my portfolio?

MFSI and CAOS have a correlation of -0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFSI or CAOS?

MFSI has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to CAOS (0.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFSI dropped -13.67% vs CAOS's -3.60%.

Which ETF is better, MFSI or CAOS?

On 1-year performance, MFSI leads with 17.49% vs 1.88% for CAOS. On fees, MFSI is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFSI or CAOS?

Over the 1-year period, MFSI has performed better with a 17.49% return vs 1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFSI or CAOS?

MFSI is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

MFSI has the higher dividend yield at 0.76%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between MFSI and CAOS?

MFSI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: MFS and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for MFSI and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 1.20), 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.