CAOS vs VXUS
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, CAOS or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAOS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $673M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +0.83% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.07% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.39% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0%Best | 12.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -3.6%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.5 years | $11,736 | $17,360Best |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 14, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 6, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.5 years).
CAOS vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.5 years both funds cover.
CAOS vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) is an ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAOS returned +1.07% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, CAOS is up 0.83% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, CAOS compounded at +3.39% per year against +19.58% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +17.07% annualized vs +4.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.2% compared with 2.0% for CAOS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.6% for CAOS and -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.25. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAOS charges 0.63% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $5 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAOS currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in CAOS and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 0.0% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in CAOS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 12 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CAOS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAOS or VXUS?
CAOS has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $58 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CAOS or VXUS?
Over the past year CAOS returned +1.07% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CAOS annualized +4.68% vs +17.07% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CAOS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.2% annualized versus 2.0% for CAOS. Worst drawdown: CAOS -3.6% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both CAOS and VXUS?
CAOS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAOS or VXUS?
CAOS yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than CAOS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.