Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AESR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: AESRMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAESRVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.18%0.05%
AUM$243M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings338,747
YTD Return+17.61%+14.57%
1Y Return+28.35%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.44%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.82%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-31.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHorizon FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 16, 2019Jan 26, 2011

AESR vs VXUS Performance

Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF (AESR) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AESR returned +28.35% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AESR is up 17.61% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, AESR compounded at +24.44% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.82% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AESR has the edge at +16.17% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AESR charges 1.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $5 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AESR currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

AESR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7892 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AESR or VXUS?

AESR has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AESR or VXUS?

Over the past year AESR returned +28.35% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so AESR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AESR annualized +16.17% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AESR or VXUS?

AESR has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AESR -31.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both AESR and VXUS?

AESR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AESR and VXUS?

AESR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AESR or VXUS?

AESR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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