AFOS vs VXUS
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $283M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +30.15% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.18% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AFOS vs VXUS Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFOS returned +68.18% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, AFOS is up 30.15% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7892 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or VXUS?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or VXUS?
Over the past year AFOS returned +68.18% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +70.28% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or VXUS?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFOS and VXUS?
AFOS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and VXUS?
AFOS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or VXUS?
AFOS yields 0.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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