RSP vs. CAOS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

RSP (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSP is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. RSP is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, RSP returned 14.03%/yr vs 3.60%/yr for CAOS. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

RSP vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) 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, RSP achieves a 13.18% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.80% return.

RSP

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 1.75%
• 6M: 8.65%
• YTD: 13.18%
• 1Y: 19.62%
• 3Y*: 14.03%
• 5Y*: 9.38%
• 10Y*: 11.84%

CAOS

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 1Y: 1.82%
• 3Y*: 3.60%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSP vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	13.18%	11.21%	12.79%	7.39%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.80%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between RSP 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	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	0.07

The correlation between RSP and CAOS shifts across timeframes, from -0.29 (1 year) to 0.07 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RSP vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSP

RSP Risk / Return Rank: 63
RSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
RSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
RSP Omega Ratio Rank: 60
RSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
RSP Martin Ratio Rank: 66

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 46
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

RSP vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) 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.

	RSP	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.19	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.88	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.24	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.41	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.51	5.44	+4.07

RSP vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSP 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

RSP vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSP drawdown since its inception was -59.92%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSP and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSP	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.92%	-3.89%	-56.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-0.76%	-7.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.81%	-3.60%	-14.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.08%	+1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.62%	-0.92%	-5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	0.34%	+1.73%

Volatility

RSP vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) has a higher volatility of 3.14% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.48%. This indicates that RSP'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

	RSP	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	0.48%	+2.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.68%	1.09%	+7.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.75%	1.55%	+10.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.20%	4.20%	+12.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.28%	4.20%	+14.08%

RSP vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSP vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

RSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.49%	1.64%	1.52%	1.64%	1.82%	1.28%	1.64%	1.69%	2.02%	1.52%	1.20%	1.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSP and CAOS in my portfolio?

RSP 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, RSP or CAOS?

RSP has higher volatility (3.14%) compared to CAOS (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSP dropped -59.92% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, RSP or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, RSP leads with 14.03% vs 3.60% for CAOS. On fees, RSP is cheaper at 0.20% 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, RSP or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, RSP has performed better with a 14.03% return vs 3.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSP or CAOS?

RSP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

RSP has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between RSP and CAOS?

RSP is categorized as S&P 500, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for RSP and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.19), 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.