AESR vs VTI
Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AESR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AESR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $258M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.15% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.30% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.43% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.56% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
AESR vs VTI Performance
Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF (AESR) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AESR returned +27.30% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AESR is up 17.15% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, AESR compounded at +25.43% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.56% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AESR has the edge at +16.00% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AESR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -31.1% for AESR 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AESR charges 0.97% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AESR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AESR and VTI share 15 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AESR or VTI?
AESR has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AESR or VTI?
Over the past year AESR returned +27.30% vs +22.35% for VTI, so AESR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AESR annualized +16.00% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AESR or VTI?
AESR has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AESR -31.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AESR and VTI?
AESR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 AESR and VTI?
AESR and VTI share 15 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AESR or VTI?
AESR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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