AESR vs VXUS
Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AESR or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AESR led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AESR | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $251M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +16.79%Best | +15.57% |
| 1Y Return | +24.49% | +27.46%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.24%Best | +20.30% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.17%Best | +8.96% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 16.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,563Best | $15,358 |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 17, 2019 to Sep 3, 2026 (6.7 years).
AESR vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.7 years both funds cover.
AESR vs VXUS Performance
Anfield US Equity Sector Rotation ETF (AESR) is an ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AESR returned +24.49% while VXUS returned +27.46%. Year to date, AESR is up 16.79% versus a gain of 15.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AESR compounded at +24.24% per year against +20.30% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.17% and +8.96% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AESR has the edge at +15.85% annualized vs +9.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AESR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 16.4% 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 -35.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 0.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $5 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AESR currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 32 holdings in AESR and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 100.1% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, AESR as of Aug 18, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 32 positions we hold weights for in AESR and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 32 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AESR and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AESR or VXUS?
AESR has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AESR or VXUS?
Over the past year AESR returned +24.49% vs +27.46% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AESR annualized +15.85% vs +9.68% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AESR or VXUS?
AESR has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 16.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AESR -31.1% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both AESR and VXUS?
AESR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AESR or VXUS?
AESR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AESR?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AESR led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.