AFSC vs VTI
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +25.52% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.47% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | May 24, 2001 |
AFSC vs VTI Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFSC returned +32.47% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, AFSC is up 25.52% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -21.7% for AFSC 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2803 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSC or VTI?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or VTI?
Over the past year AFSC returned +32.47% vs +21.39% for VTI, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +19.04% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or VTI?
AFSC has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFSC and VTI?
AFSC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and VTI?
AFSC and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or VTI?
AFSC yields 0.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.