AAEQ vs VXUS
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $511M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 353 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +13.91% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +25.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AAEQ vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 10.19% versus a gain of 13.91% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8441 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or VXUS?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and VXUS?
AAEQ and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8441 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or VXUS?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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