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CAOS seeks to actively earn positive returns during periods of significant US equity drawdowns while minimizing the return drag of collateral. The fund allocates up to 20% of assets in long and/or short SPX Index options, depending on market status. Between 1-10% is allocated to protective options positioned to appreciate in value when the index declines by more than 25%, which is considered to be a tail risk event. If a tail risk event does not occur, the cost of the protective positions will reduce returns. The remaining 70-80% of the portfolio is collateral consisting of US T-bills, box…
Is CAOS's expense ratio expensive, average, or a steal for its category?
Pro reveals the verdict on a 5-tier spectrum calibrated against ICI 2025 industry averages, with strategy-aware bands so the comparison is meaningful.
The Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF employs three options strategies for partial large-cap equity exposure with downside risk mitigation and crash event upside. CAOS has delivered a 17.8% total return since March 2023, outperforming short-term bonds with similar volatility. The fund excels in fast market crashes but is an ineffective hedge during slow downtrends, as shown by historical performance.
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF employs a novel, three-part strategy combining protective puts (insurance) with Box Spreads and Put Spreads (cash generators) to offset the typical "negative carry" cost of hedging. The underperformance during market turmoil is attributed to the fund's protective puts being set too far OTM, making the hedge primarily a volatility (vega) play rather than a delta play. CAOS is not a new concept; it was converted from a legacy mutual fund (AVOLX) in March 2023. This conversion means the fund has a long performance history.
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF implements three options strategies to provide exposure to stocks and interest rates while expecting to benefit from a market crash. The fund's performance since March 2023 has outpaced short-term bonds and its main competitor, with very low volatility. The track record of CAOS shows it does exactly what it is supposed to do, but it is not a good hedge in a slow market downtrend.
The Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF is recommended solely for risk management and mitigation, crucial for any portfolio today. Traditional performance metrics are inadequate; CAOS is designed to limit downside risk during market disruptions, making it a valuable hedge. The fund's complex options strategy aims for index exposure, risk control, and cash flow generation, but it hasn't distributed since 2021.
Plus, more closures are on the horizon.