AAEQ vs VTI
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $491M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 355 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.51% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
AAEQ vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.51% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and VTI share 333 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or VTI?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and VTI?
AAEQ and VTI share 333 common holdings with a 79.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or VTI?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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