AADR vs VXUS
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AADR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $38M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.57% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.12% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.77% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AADR vs VXUS Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF (AADR) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AADR is down 2.57% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AADR compounded at +19.77% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AADR has the edge at +8.52% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AADR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -45.6% for AADR and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AADR charges 1.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $5 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AADR currently yields 0.84% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AADR and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AADR or VXUS?
AADR has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AADR or VXUS?
Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AADR annualized +8.52% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AADR or VXUS?
AADR has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AADR -45.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AADR and VXUS?
AADR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AADR and VXUS?
AADR and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AADR or VXUS?
AADR yields 0.84% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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