AAUS vs VOO
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $494M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.54% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.41% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AAUS vs VOO Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, AAUS is up 12.54% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.7% for AAUS. 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 -9.1% for AAUS and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS charges 0.09% per year while VOO 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, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and VOO share 342 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 89.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or VOO?
AAUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAUS or VOO?
Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +22.42% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.7% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AAUS and VOO?
AAUS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUS and VOO?
AAUS and VOO share 342 common holdings with a 89.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or VOO?
AAUS yields 0.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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