AFK vs VOO
VanEck Africa Index ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.36% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.23% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.56% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.52% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AFK vs VOO Performance
VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFK returned +31.23% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, AFK is up 6.36% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, AFK compounded at +24.56% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.52% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +8.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -43.2% for AFK and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFK charges 0.76% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFK currently yields 1.05% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AFK and VOO share 1 holdings out of 574 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 AFK | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCL | 0.53% | 0.12% | 0.41% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFK or VOO?
AFK has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFK or VOO?
Over the past year AFK returned +31.23% vs +22.62% for VOO, so AFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFK annualized +8.23% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFK or VOO?
AFK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AFK -43.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AFK and VOO?
AFK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFK and VOO?
AFK and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFK or VOO?
AFK yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.