AFK vs VXUS
VanEck Africa Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $98M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.36% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.23% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.56% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.52% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AFK vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFK returned +31.23% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, AFK is up 6.36% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFK compounded at +24.56% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.52% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFK has the edge at +8.23% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 15.1% 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 -43.2% for AFK 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFK charges 0.76% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $5 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFK currently yields 1.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AFK and VXUS share 44 holdings out of 7887 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFK or VXUS?
AFK has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFK or VXUS?
Over the past year AFK returned +31.23% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so AFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFK annualized +8.23% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFK or VXUS?
AFK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFK -43.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFK and VXUS?
AFK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFK and VXUS?
AFK and VXUS share 44 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFK or VXUS?
AFK yields 1.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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