AAUS vs VXUS
AAUS vs VXUS
Alpha Architect US Equity 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $494M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.54% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.41% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AAUS vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AAUS is up 12.54% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS 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, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8204 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAUS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.32% | 0.00% | 0.32% |
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| SRE | 0.10% | 0.00% | 0.10% |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings AAUS shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or VXUS?
AAUS 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.
Which performed better, AAUS or VXUS?
Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +22.42% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.7% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AAUS and VXUS?
AAUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUS and VXUS?
AAUS and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or VXUS?
AAUS yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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