AFSC vs VXUS
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +30.41% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AFSC vs VXUS Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFSC returned +36.67% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AFSC is up 30.41% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -21.7% for AFSC 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7912 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFSC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMT | 2.33% | 0.01% | 2.32% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSC or VXUS?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or VXUS?
Over the past year AFSC returned +36.67% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +22.38% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or VXUS?
AFSC has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFSC and VXUS?
AFSC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and VXUS?
AFSC and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7912 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or VXUS?
AFSC yields 0.06% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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