QVAL vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QVAL is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. QVAL is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, QVAL returned 20.50%/yr vs 4.70%/yr for BOXX. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. QVAL charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

QVAL vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QVAL achieves a 14.09% return, which is significantly higher than BOXX's 1.70% return.

QVAL

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 12.60%
• 1Y: 28.74%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 11.91%

BOXX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.70%
• 6M: 1.82%
• 1Y: 3.98%
• 3Y*: 4.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QVAL vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	14.09%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-2.54%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.70%	4.37%	5.16%	5.04%	0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between QVAL and BOXX is 0.02, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2022	-0.01

Return for Risk

QVAL vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 70
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 74

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

QVAL vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). 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.

	QVAL	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	12.43	-10.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.03	35.10	-32.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	8.71	-7.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.78	58.08	-53.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.37	496.82	-483.45

QVAL vs. BOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QVAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is lower than the BOXX Sharpe Ratio of 12.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QVAL and BOXX, 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

QVAL vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QVAL drawdown since its inception was -51.49%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QVAL and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QVAL	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.49%	-0.12%	-51.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.04%	-0.07%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-0.12%	-21.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.17%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	-0.02%	-2.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.76%	-0.00%	-7.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	0.01%	+2.14%

Volatility

QVAL vs. BOXX - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) has a higher volatility of 3.95% compared to Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) at 0.12%. This indicates that QVAL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QVAL	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	0.12%	+3.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.21%	0.26%	+9.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.71%	0.32%	+14.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.64%	0.37%	+21.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.78%	0.37%	+22.41%

QVAL vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QVAL has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

QVAL vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

QVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.16%	1.44%	1.72%	1.76%	2.00%	1.23%	1.86%	1.99%	1.64%	1.08%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QVAL and BOXX in my portfolio?

QVAL and BOXX have a correlation of 0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QVAL or BOXX?

QVAL has higher volatility (3.95%) compared to BOXX (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QVAL dropped -51.49% vs BOXX's -0.12%.

Which ETF is better, QVAL or BOXX?

On 3-year performance, QVAL leads with 20.50% vs 4.70% for BOXX. On fees, BOXX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, BOXX has been the lower-risk option at 0.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QVAL or BOXX?

Over the 3-year period, QVAL has performed better with a 20.50% return vs 4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QVAL or BOXX?

BOXX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for QVAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QVAL or BOXX?

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between QVAL and BOXX?

QVAL is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for QVAL and 0.19% for BOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (12.43 vs 1.96), 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.