AFK vs VTI
VanEck Africa Index ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.46% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.92% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.55% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.62% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
AFK vs VTI Performance
VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFK returned +29.92% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, AFK is up 6.46% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, AFK compounded at +24.55% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.62% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFK has the edge at +8.24% annualized vs +8.16%. 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 15.4% 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 -43.2% for AFK 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFK charges 0.76% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFK and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2852 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCL | 0.53% | 0.11% | 0.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFK or VTI?
AFK has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFK or VTI?
Over the past year AFK returned +29.92% vs +22.39% for VTI, so AFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFK annualized +8.24% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFK or VTI?
AFK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFK -43.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFK and VTI?
AFK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFK and VTI?
AFK and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2852 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFK or VTI?
AFK yields 1.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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