VMOT vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMOT (Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VMOT is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. VMOT is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VMOT returned 18.21%/yr vs 3.94%/yr for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. VMOT charges 1.75%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

VMOT vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) 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, VMOT achieves a 13.98% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.71% return.

VMOT

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 13.98%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 29.85%
• 3Y*: 18.21%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 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)

VMOT vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	13.98%	18.54%	12.07%	-1.37%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.71%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between VMOT and CAOS is -0.26, 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	-0.26
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	-0.00

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between VMOT and CAOS has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.00 to -0.26, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

VMOT vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMOT

VMOT Risk / Return Rank: 61
VMOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VMOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VMOT Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VMOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VMOT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

VMOT vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) 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.

	VMOT	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.08	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	1.72	+0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.22	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	2.15	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.28	5.18	+6.10

VMOT vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMOT Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMOT 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

VMOT vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMOT drawdown since its inception was -34.71%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMOT and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMOT	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.71%	-3.89%	-30.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-0.76%	-10.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-3.60%	-16.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.36%	-1.18%	-2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.25%	-0.92%	-12.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	0.32%	+2.33%

Volatility

VMOT vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT) has a higher volatility of 5.92% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.32%. This indicates that VMOT'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

	VMOT	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.92%	0.32%	+5.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	1.05%	+12.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	1.50%	+14.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.80%	4.23%	+11.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.96%	4.23%	+10.73%

VMOT vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMOT has a 1.75% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMOT vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

VMOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, while CAOS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VMOT Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF	1.80%	2.05%	2.54%	4.13%	2.24%	0.82%	0.00%	1.76%	0.93%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMOT and CAOS in my portfolio?

VMOT and CAOS have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMOT or CAOS?

VMOT has higher volatility (5.92%) compared to CAOS (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMOT dropped -34.71% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, VMOT or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, VMOT leads with 18.21% vs 3.94% 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, VMOT or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, VMOT has performed better with a 18.21% return vs 3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMOT or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 1.75% for VMOT.

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

VMOT has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between VMOT and CAOS?

VMOT is categorized as Momentum, while CAOS is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 1.75% for VMOT and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 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.