AFOS vs VTI
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $301M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.21% | +13.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +64.05% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.77% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
AFOS vs VTI Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFOS returned +64.05% while VTI returned +21.44%. Year to date, AFOS is up 30.21% versus a gain of 13.95% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% compared with 15.3% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and VTI share 27 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or VTI?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or VTI?
Over the past year AFOS returned +64.05% vs +21.44% for VTI, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +65.41% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or VTI?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFOS and VTI?
AFOS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and VTI?
AFOS and VTI share 27 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or VTI?
AFOS yields 0.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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