SQS vs. BOXX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

SQS (Sapient Quality Select ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SQS is a Quality Factor fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. SQS is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. Their -0.12 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. SQS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

SQS vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

SQS

• 1D: 1.43%
• 1M: -0.43%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

BOXX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.41%
• 6M: 1.95%
• YTD: 2.26%
• 1Y: 4.08%
• 3Y*: 4.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.71%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	$253.32M	$264.36M	$274.97M
SQS Sapient Quality Select ETF	$368.93K	$275.74K	$458.12K

SQS vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SQS Sapient Quality Select ETF	8.23%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SQS and BOXX is -0.12, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2026	-0.12

Return for Risk

SQS vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SQS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BOXX

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

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SQS vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sapient Quality Select ETF (SQS) 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.

	SQS	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	12.44	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	36.42	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	8.74	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	60.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	505.74	—

Drawdowns

SQS vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQS drawdown since its inception was -7.90%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQS and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQS	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.90%	-0.12%	-7.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	0.00%	-3.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.12%	0.00%	-2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SQS	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.52%	0.33%	+18.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.52%	0.37%	+18.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.52%	0.37%	+18.15%

SQS vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SQS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

SQS vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

Neither SQS nor BOXX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%
SQS Sapient Quality Select ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SQS and BOXX in my portfolio?

SQS and BOXX have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SQS or BOXX?

On fees, BOXX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQS or BOXX?

BOXX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for SQS.

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

SQS and BOXX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SQS and BOXX?

SQS is categorized as Quality Factor, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for SQS and 0.19% for BOXX.