MOTG vs. CAOS

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

MOTG (VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MOTG is a Global Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global Wide Moat Focus Index, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. MOTG is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, MOTG returned 11.94%/yr vs 3.63%/yr for CAOS. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MOTG charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

MOTG vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) 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, MOTG achieves a 0.53% return, which is significantly lower than CAOS's 0.84% return.

MOTG

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: -3.91%
• YTD: 0.53%
• 1Y: 8.49%
• 3Y*: 11.94%
• 5Y*: 6.86%
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.12%
• 6M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.84%
• 1Y: 2.02%
• 3Y*: 3.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MOTG vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MOTG VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF	0.53%	26.06%	9.31%	5.98%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.84%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between MOTG and CAOS is -0.29, 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	-0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	0.08

The correlation between MOTG and CAOS shifts across timeframes, from -0.29 (1 year) to 0.08 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MOTG vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOTG

MOTG Risk / Return Rank: 20
MOTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
MOTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
MOTG Omega Ratio Rank: 20
MOTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
MOTG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 53
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

MOTG vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) 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.

	MOTG	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	1.31	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	2.09	-1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.27	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.68	2.68	-2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.96	6.06	-4.09

MOTG vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOTG Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOTG 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

MOTG vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOTG drawdown since its inception was -31.82%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOTG and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOTG	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.82%	-3.89%	-27.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.56%	-0.76%	-11.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.31%	-3.60%	-11.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.98%	-1.04%	-3.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-0.92%	-4.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	0.33%	+4.00%

Volatility

MOTG vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) has a higher volatility of 3.09% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.48%. This indicates that MOTG'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

	MOTG	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	0.48%	+2.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.53%	1.09%	+10.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.19%	1.56%	+12.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.91%	4.20%	+11.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.79%	4.20%	+13.59%

MOTG vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOTG has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOTG vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

MOTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.66%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MOTG VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF	17.66%	17.75%	5.60%	1.86%	3.64%	5.88%	2.96%	3.91%	0.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOTG and CAOS in my portfolio?

MOTG and CAOS have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOTG or CAOS?

MOTG has higher volatility (3.09%) compared to CAOS (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOTG dropped -31.82% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, MOTG or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, MOTG leads with 11.94% vs 3.63% for CAOS. On fees, MOTG is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOTG or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, MOTG has performed better with a 11.94% return vs 3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOTG or CAOS?

MOTG is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

MOTG has the higher dividend yield at 17.66%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between MOTG and CAOS?

MOTG is categorized as Global Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for MOTG and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.60), 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.