ETF decision lab

Compare the differences that can change an ETF decision.

Fees are only the first row. Compare benchmark rules, structure, breadth, income design and portfolio role, then test the decision with transparent calculators.

Fund-specific sourcesdetailed verdictsSources and assumptions are shown
ETF comparisonETF research

Curated pairs open a detailed comparison. Other pairs open the fund facts side by side.

23curated funds
15reviewed pairs
3decision tools
Test the assumption

Calculators before conclusions

Change the assumptions yourself. Results are labeled hypothetical and formulas are published.

Open all tools

Fee drag calculator

Translate a small annual fee difference into dollars across contributions and time.

Calculate fee drag

DCA cadence simulator

Hold the annual budget constant and compare annual, monthly and weekly contribution timing.

Compare cadence

Drawdown reserve planner

Turn a vague "buy the dip" idea into explicit triggers, allocations and remaining cash.

Build a ladder
Atlas Labs / negative result
52,777 replay rows did not establish reliable excess return over QQQ.

Wider filters improved average raw return, but 1- to 20-session excess returns remained negative in the controlled replay. That is useful evidence against selling a stock-ranking story as proven alpha.

Read the methods and result table
New reader tools

Daily leverage and brokerage costs, made explicit

Test a leveraged return path, estimate a transfer bonus after costs, or compare the account features that affect ETF ownership.