SXQG vs. CAOS

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SXQG (ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SXQG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Meridian, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SXQG returned 8.88%/yr vs 3.65%/yr for CAOS. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SXQG charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

SXQG vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) 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, SXQG achieves a -2.99% return, which is significantly lower than CAOS's 0.96% return.

SXQG

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 2.40%
• 6M: -1.13%
• YTD: -2.99%
• 1Y: -0.98%
• 3Y*: 8.88%
• 5Y*: 4.58%
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.48%
• YTD: 0.96%
• 1Y: 2.07%
• 3Y*: 3.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SXQG vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SXQG ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF	-2.99%	4.43%	18.77%	22.86%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.96%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between SXQG and CAOS is -0.28, 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	-0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	0.10

The correlation between SXQG and CAOS shifts across timeframes, from -0.28 (1 year) to 0.10 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SXQG vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SXQG

SXQG Risk / Return Rank: 9
SXQG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SXQG Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SXQG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
SXQG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SXQG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 55
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

SXQG vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) 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.

	SXQG	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	1.35	-1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.03	2.15	-2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.28	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	2.75	-2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.18	6.18	-6.36

SXQG vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SXQG Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is lower than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SXQG 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

SXQG vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SXQG drawdown since its inception was -33.97%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SXQG and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SXQG	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.97%	-3.89%	-30.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.03%	-0.76%	-13.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.53%	-3.60%	-15.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.83%	-0.93%	-4.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.02%	-0.92%	-9.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.36%	0.34%	+5.02%

Volatility

SXQG vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) has a higher volatility of 4.77% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.50%. This indicates that SXQG'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

	SXQG	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	0.50%	+4.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.96%	1.10%	+8.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.11%	1.55%	+10.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.07%	4.20%	+13.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.90%	4.20%	+13.70%

SXQG vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SXQG has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

SXQG vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

SXQG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SXQG ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF	0.03%	0.15%	0.00%	0.02%	0.09%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SXQG and CAOS in my portfolio?

SXQG and CAOS have a correlation of -0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SXQG or CAOS?

SXQG has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to CAOS (0.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SXQG dropped -33.97% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, SXQG or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, SXQG leads with 8.88% vs 3.65% for CAOS. On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SXQG or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, SXQG has performed better with a 8.88% return vs 3.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SXQG or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SXQG.

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

SXQG has the higher dividend yield at 0.03%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between SXQG and CAOS?

SXQG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Meridian and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SXQG and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAOS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs -0.08), 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.