QXQ vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QXQ (SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QXQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Summit Global Investments, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QXQ returned 36.80% vs 1.62% for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.30, they often move in opposite directions. QXQ charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

QXQ vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) 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, QXQ achieves a 16.17% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.71% return.

QXQ

• 1D: -2.94%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 16.17%
• 6M: 15.07%
• 1Y: 36.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 1.62%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QXQ vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	16.17%	19.78%	9.70%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.71%	2.55%	3.35%

Correlation

The correlation between QXQ and CAOS is -0.30, 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	-0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2024	-0.30

Return for Risk

QXQ vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QXQ

QXQ Risk / Return Rank: 68
QXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
QXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
QXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
QXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 69

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 36
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

QXQ vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) 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.

	QXQ	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.08	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	1.72	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.22	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	2.15	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	5.18	+6.49

QXQ vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QXQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QXQ 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

QXQ vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QXQ drawdown since its inception was -22.53%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QXQ and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QXQ	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.53%	-3.89%	-18.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.20%	-0.76%	-11.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.17%	-1.18%	-2.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-0.92%	-2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	0.32%	+2.84%

Volatility

QXQ vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) has a higher volatility of 8.58% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.32%. This indicates that QXQ'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

	QXQ	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.58%	0.32%	+8.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.32%	1.05%	+13.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.73%	1.50%	+16.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.15%	4.23%	+17.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.15%	4.23%	+17.92%

QXQ vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QXQ has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

QXQ vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

QXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.41%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	15.41%	18.21%	1.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QXQ and CAOS in my portfolio?

QXQ and CAOS have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QXQ or CAOS?

QXQ has higher volatility (8.58%) compared to CAOS (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QXQ dropped -22.53% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, QXQ or CAOS?

On 1-year performance, QXQ leads with 36.80% vs 1.62% for CAOS. On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QXQ or CAOS?

Over the 1-year period, QXQ has performed better with a 36.80% return vs 1.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QXQ or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for QXQ.

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

QXQ has the higher dividend yield at 15.41%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between QXQ and CAOS?

QXQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Summit Global Investments and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for QXQ and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QXQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.08), 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.