SARK vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SARK (Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SARK is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by AXS, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. SARK is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SARK returned -30.40%/yr vs 4.72%/yr for BOXX. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. SARK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

SARK vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) 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, SARK achieves a -5.95% return, which is significantly lower than BOXX's 1.75% return.

SARK

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -0.45%
• YTD: -5.95%
• 6M: -1.42%
• 1Y: -18.93%
• 3Y*: -30.40%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOXX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 1.75%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 4.00%
• 3Y*: 4.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SARK vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	-5.95%	-25.93%	-36.90%	-46.32%	-4.95%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.75%	4.37%	5.16%	5.04%	0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between SARK and BOXX is -0.01, 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	-0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2022	-0.04

Return for Risk

SARK vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SARK

SARK Risk / Return Rank: 5
SARK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Omega Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SARK Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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: 100
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.

SARK vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) 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.

	SARK	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.53	12.45	-12.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.57	35.24	-35.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	8.74	-7.80
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.71	58.32	-59.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.19	497.74	-498.94

SARK vs. BOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SARK Sharpe Ratio is -0.53, which is lower than the BOXX Sharpe Ratio of 12.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SARK 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

SARK vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SARK drawdown since its inception was -81.07%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SARK and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SARK	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.07%	-0.12%	-80.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.61%	-0.07%	-26.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-74.42%	-0.12%	-74.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-79.24%	0.00%	-79.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-46.85%	-0.00%	-46.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.90%	0.01%	+15.89%

Volatility

SARK vs. BOXX - Volatility Comparison

Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) has a higher volatility of 12.52% compared to Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) at 0.10%. This indicates that SARK'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

	SARK	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.52%	0.10%	+12.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.52%	0.26%	+26.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.74%	0.32%	+35.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.10%	0.37%	+55.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	56.10%	0.37%	+55.73%

SARK vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SARK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

SARK vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

SARK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.00%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	3.00%	2.82%	15.49%	12.57%	25.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SARK and BOXX in my portfolio?

SARK and BOXX have a correlation of -0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SARK or BOXX?

SARK has higher volatility (12.52%) compared to BOXX (0.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SARK dropped -81.07% vs BOXX's -0.12%.

Which ETF is better, SARK or BOXX?

On 3-year performance, BOXX leads with 4.72% vs -30.40% for SARK. On fees, BOXX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, BOXX has been the lower-risk option at 0.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SARK or BOXX?

Over the 3-year period, BOXX has performed better with a 4.72% return vs -30.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SARK or BOXX?

BOXX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SARK.

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

SARK has the higher dividend yield at 3.00%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between SARK and BOXX?

SARK is categorized as Inverse Equities, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: AXS and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SARK and 0.19% for BOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (12.45 vs -0.53), 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.