AAUS vs VTI
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $494M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.99% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.32% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
AAUS vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +21.32% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, AAUS is up 11.99% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.6% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 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, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and VTI share 336 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or VTI?
AAUS 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.
Which performed better, AAUS or VTI?
Over the past year AAUS returned +21.32% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +21.59% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AAUS and VTI?
AAUS and VTI 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 VTI?
AAUS and VTI share 336 common holdings with a 79.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or VTI?
AAUS yields 0.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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