Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS)
BATS BATS Primary 
CAOS: Better For Diversification Than Hedging
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.
CAOS: An Imperfect Hedging Tool
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.
CAOS: Hedging Against A Crash
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.
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF: Protect Your Portfolio From A Still-Possible Hard Economic Landing
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.
