AAXJ vs VTI
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AAXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAXJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 956 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.56% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.43% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
AAXJ vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF (AAXJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAXJ returned +38.09% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AAXJ is up 21.56% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, AAXJ compounded at +24.43% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +5.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -49.4% for AAXJ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAXJ charges 0.72% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $3 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAXJ currently yields 1.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AAXJ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAXJ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAXJ or VTI?
AAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAXJ or VTI?
Over the past year AAXJ returned +38.09% vs +22.35% for VTI, so AAXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AAXJ annualized +5.35% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAXJ or VTI?
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AAXJ -49.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AAXJ and VTI?
AAXJ and VTI 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 AAXJ and VTI?
AAXJ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAXJ or VTI?
AAXJ yields 1.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AAXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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