QSML vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. QSML is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. Over the past year, QSML returned 21.62% vs 1.88% for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.24, they often move in opposite directions. QSML charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

QSML vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) 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, QSML achieves a 8.06% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.82% return.

QSML

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 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)

QSML vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	8.06%	5.49%	10.38%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.82%	2.55%	5.03%

Correlation

The correlation between QSML and CAOS is -0.32, 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	-0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2024	-0.24

QSML vs. CAOS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QSML	CAOS
Technology	18.4%	33.1%
Industrials	17.9%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	16.2%	10.0%
Financial Services	13.2%	12.4%
Healthcare	10.4%	9.6%
Energy	9.5%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.4%	5.4%
Communication Services	3.3%	10.4%
Basic Materials	3.2%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.3%	2.0%
Utilities	0.2%	2.6%

Return for Risk

QSML vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 37
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

QSML vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) 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.

	QSML	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	1.98	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	2.49	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	6.22	+0.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QSML vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSML 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

	QSML	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	1.21	-0.71

Drawdowns

QSML vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSML drawdown since its inception was -28.54%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSML and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSML	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.54%	-3.60%	-24.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.72%	-0.76%	-9.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-1.07%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.98%	-0.90%	-5.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	0.30%	+2.93%

Volatility

QSML vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) has a higher volatility of 4.35% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.26%. This indicates that QSML'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

	QSML	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	0.26%	+4.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	1.03%	+10.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.46%	1.52%	+15.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.86%	4.26%	+16.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.86%	4.26%	+16.60%

QSML vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSML has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSML vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

QSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.58%	0.62%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSML and CAOS in my portfolio?

QSML and CAOS have a correlation of -0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSML or CAOS?

QSML has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to CAOS (0.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSML dropped -28.54% vs CAOS's -3.60%.

Which ETF is better, QSML or CAOS?

On 1-year performance, QSML leads with 21.62% vs 1.88% for CAOS. On fees, QSML is cheaper at 0.38% 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, QSML or CAOS?

Over the 1-year period, QSML has performed better with a 21.62% return vs 1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSML or CAOS?

QSML is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

QSML has the higher dividend yield at 0.58%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between QSML and CAOS?

QSML is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for QSML and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs 1.24), 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.