YLD vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - YLD is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Principal, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, YLD returned 8.71%/yr vs 3.89%/yr for CAOS. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. YLD charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

YLD vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) 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, YLD achieves a 3.32% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.64% return.

YLD

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 3.32%
• 6M: 3.60%
• 1Y: 7.25%
• 3Y*: 8.71%
• 5Y*: 5.07%
• 10Y*: 5.74%

CAOS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 1.59%
• 3Y*: 3.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YLD vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	3.32%	6.55%	9.19%	10.22%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.64%	2.55%	5.33%	7.43%

Correlation

The correlation between YLD and CAOS is -0.30, 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	-0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2023	-0.00

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between YLD and CAOS has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.00 to -0.30, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

YLD vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 61
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 72

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 36
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

YLD vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) 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.

	YLD	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.06	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	1.69	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.22	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.68	2.10	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.63	5.06	+7.57

YLD vs. CAOS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the CAOS Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YLD 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

YLD vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLD drawdown since its inception was -28.34%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLD and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLD	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.34%	-3.89%	-24.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.98%	-0.76%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.62%	-3.60%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-1.25%	+1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-0.92%	-1.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.58%	0.31%	+0.27%

Volatility

YLD vs. CAOS - Volatility Comparison

Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) has a higher volatility of 1.15% compared to Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) at 0.30%. This indicates that YLD'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

	YLD	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.15%	0.30%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.51%	1.04%	+2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.37%	1.50%	+2.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	4.24%	+2.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.20%	4.24%	+3.96%

YLD vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLD vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

YLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.24%, 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%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.24%	7.33%	7.12%	6.46%	6.51%	3.92%	4.40%	4.81%	5.42%	6.28%	4.47%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YLD and CAOS in my portfolio?

YLD and CAOS have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YLD or CAOS?

YLD has higher volatility (1.15%) compared to CAOS (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YLD dropped -28.34% vs CAOS's -3.89%.

Which ETF is better, YLD or CAOS?

On 3-year performance, YLD leads with 8.71% vs 3.89% for CAOS. On fees, YLD is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, CAOS has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YLD or CAOS?

Over the 3-year period, YLD has performed better with a 8.71% return vs 3.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLD or CAOS?

YLD is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for CAOS.

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

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.24%, compared with 0.00% for CAOS.

What is the main difference between YLD and CAOS?

YLD is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Principal and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for YLD and 0.63% for CAOS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.06), 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.